Kathmandu, Jan. 15 -- Nepali traders had cheered when China allowed two-way trade to resume at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border last month, but they are finding out that the joy may have been premature.

Beijing has declared that exports from Nepal will be allowed to pass only on a fortnightly basis. Imports to Nepal, however, are permitted to pass daily, officials said.

"For now, China has allowed 14 goods carriers to cross the border every fortnight," Narayan Prasad Bhandari, chief of the Rasuwa Customs Office, told the Post.

"They say this is because they have to disinfect the vehicles. They also keep Nepali exports in quarantine for a few days before forwarding them to key Chinese cities," he said.

Exporters pile up their goods at the...