The increasing popularity of electric vehicles has led to a surge in imports of Chinese EVs via the Korala border point, resulting in USD 77 million worth of goods being traded through the Mustang Customs Office at Korala.
From mid-September to late December, the fully operational Nepal-China Korala border point facilitated USD 75 million in trade, including USD 1.31 million in Nepali handicraft exports to China. Since then, 2,074 electric vehicles have entered Nepal through the border, with additional shipments arriving since Sunday.
This month alone, BYD has been importing more than 500 electric vehicles through Korala, according to customs officials. Over 300 vehicles from the same company have already completed customs clearance and departed for their destinations, Khadka added.
From the import and export of goods and electric vehicles through Mustang Customs, the government has collected USD 34.8 million in revenue so far.
The demand for electric vehicles in Nepal has been rising due to fuel savings and lower carbon emissions. Government-provided customs concessions on EVs have further encouraged imports, leading to a steady increase in their use across the country.
Even with harsh winter conditions and -20°C temperatures, the 4,610-metre Korala border point remains active, facilitating the flow of electric vehicles and goods from China through dynamic customs operations.
EVs clear customs in Mustang and are driven to Jomsom, then Pokhara, where drivers deliver them to showrooms. Chinese drivers with cross-border permits transport the vehicles to the Nepal side of the Korala border.
Despite winter migration from Upper Mustang, trade continues at the Korala border crossing. Increased activity on the Benighat–Jomsom–Korala road corridor sees charging stations at full capacity, with 10-12 cargo containers, including electric vehicles, imported and exported daily.
