Banking News – The Rasuwa Customs Office collected Rs. 13.64 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83), achieving only around one-third of its annual target after floods washed away the Friendship Bridge linking Nepal and China, severely disrupting cross-border trade.

Chief Customs Officer Rajendra Dhungana said the office had set a revenue target of Rs. 40 billion for the fiscal year. However, imports and exports through the Rasuwa border came to a halt for an extended period after flooding in the Lhende Khola swept away the bridge, making it impossible to meet the target.

For the current fiscal year 2026/27 (2083/84), the customs office has set a revised revenue collection target of Rs. 25.50 billion.

According to the customs office, goods worth Rs. 43.73 billion were imported into Nepal through the Rasuwa border during FY 2025/26, compared with Rs. 85.23 billion in the previous fiscal year.

The Kerung border in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region serves as a major trade route for Nepal, facilitating the import of daily consumer goods, ready-made garments, electrical appliances, hydropower equipment, electric vehicles, and various industrial products.

The Timure-based customs office stated that imports through the border include fabric rolls, garments, footwear, thermos flasks, children’s toys, ginger, garlic, grapes, walnuts, apples, pressure cookers, electric vehicles, and children’s clothing, among other products.

Information Officer Karbir Gaire said that despite uncertainties caused by natural disasters and potential road blockages, the office remains committed to achieving this year’s revenue target of Rs. 25.50 billion.

He added that although the road network was severely affected after the Friendship Bridge collapsed, conditions have improved. A Bailey bridge has now been installed at the Rasuwagadhi border, while a Chinese contractor has deployed equipment for road maintenance, reducing the likelihood of prolonged transport disruptions during the current monsoon season.