{"id":20130575,"date":"2026-04-07T17:46:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/?p=20130575"},"modified":"2026-04-07T17:48:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:48:18","slug":"stpt-report-uae-embargo-squeezes-sudan-economy-encourages-smuggling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/en\/all-news\/article\/stpt-report-uae-embargo-squeezes-sudan-economy-encourages-smuggling","title":{"rendered":"STPT report: \u2018UAE embargo squeezes Sudan economy, encourages smuggling\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A report published today by the Sudan Transparency and Policy Tracker warns that United Arab Emirates trade restrictions and regional tensions are deepening Sudan\u2019s economic crisis and pushing more activity into informal networks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report<\/a>, says Sudan\u2019s fuel supply is already under strain from wider regional conflict, warning that \u201cany route blockages will trigger immediate domestic shortages\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In August 2025, the UAE imposed an air and maritime embargo, blocking key routes to Port Sudan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The measures \u201cbarred vessels from utilising UAE ports for direct shipments\u201d and forced traders onto longer, more expensive routes, the report states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, \u201ccosts of imports\u201d have risen while earnings from gold and oil have fallen, accelerating the collapse of the Sudanese pound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIncreased\u2026 transit times and costs\u2026 have driven up the prices of medicines\u2026 as well as the cost of imported foodstuffs,\u201d the report adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Gold trade disrupted\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The embargo has hit Sudan\u2019s main export sector hardest. The closure of Dubai to Sudanese gold<\/a> sent \u201cshockwaves through the market\u201d, the report says, noting the UAE previously received nearly all official exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With formal channels shrinking, trade has shifted elsewhere. \u201cThey shift\u2026 into informal and militarised networks,\u201d the report warns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between 50 and 80 per cent of gold production is now reportedly smuggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Government measures backfire\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khartoum\u2019s response, including centralising gold exports<\/a>, has reportedly worsened the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such policies \u201ccounterproductively encouraged smuggling\u201d, the report says, repeating past failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel imports have also been hit. The report notes \u201c84.1 per cent\u201d of Sudan\u2019s petroleum came from the UAE, making disruptions severe for both civilians and military operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Parallel markets\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report concludes that both the embargo and government controls are reinforcing a war economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrade restrictions\u2026 have not reduced economic activity but instead redirected it toward informal, militarised, and cross-border networks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It warns Sudan remains highly vulnerable without diversifying trade and reforming its economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read the full report here: Sudan Transparency and Policy Tracker, \u201cUAE\u2013Sudan Economic Tensions: Business Dispute or Battle for Influence?\u201d by Mohamed Salah Abdelrahman<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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