June 10, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese National Chamber of Importers has accused the government of causing increased inflation and the decline in the value of the national currency, after an April order prohibited the importation of numerous products.
In late April, the Sudanese government banned the importation of more than 40 high-end and unnecessary items. This action was intended to reduce speculative activities in unofficial currency exchange markets, enhance local production, and strengthen the economic situation.
Nevertheless, the Sudanese pound hit a historic low on Wednesday, as the U.S. dollar was exchanged for approximately 4,700 pounds, representing its greatest decline so far. This downturn is fueled by the continuous conflict, declining exports, and a growing import cost.
The traders' association called on the government to quickly lift the restriction, stating that the measure had not succeeded in stabilizing the currency, caused price increases, and lowered public income.
Al-Sadiq Jalal al-Deen Saleh, leader of the National Chamber of Importers, informed journalists on Wednesday that evidence showed the decision did not work. He mentioned that the chamber had earlier advised the prime minister through a letter regarding the financial consequences.
Salih mentioned that the order overlooked the main factors behind the pound's drop, which he pointed out were speculative activities in the market and increased appetite for foreign exchange. He added that the administration addressed the surface issues instead of tackling the underlying reasons for the crisis.
He stated that prohibiting 46 products would not reduce the demand for foreign exchange or steady the local currency. Rather, it could result in monopolistic situations as importers exit the market, causing product scarcity and increased costs.
Banned items made up approximately 11% of overall imports in 2025 yet generated more than 38% of the customs and tax income gathered at port facilities, according to Salih, who cautioned that a decline in such revenue could increase the budget shortfall.
Salih further cautioned that the limitations would push illegal trading and trafficking across Sudan's weakly controlled frontiers to satisfy economic needs. He claimed that the prohibition serves just a limited number of individuals, generating income at the cost of buyers and the national budget.
According to data collected by specialist market departments on May 24, Salih stated that prices have increased significantly following the implementation of the ban. Local cement costs went up by 22 percent, Egyptian pottery by 42 percent, rice by 98 percent, and Egyptian instant noodles by 54 percent.
He attributed the current price hikes to a psychological reaction as traders and consumers stockpile goods in anticipation of shortages. Salih warned that steeper price increases are likely as supply scarcity worsens and market competition decreases.
Additionally, Salih pointed out that the currency rate declined from approximately 4,100 pounds for one dollar at the time of the announcement to roughly 4,770 pounds on Wednesday, which he used as proof that the restriction did not succeed in stabilizing the foreign exchange sector.
Salih once again urged the government to reassess the policy and implement actions aimed at addressing fundamental economic disparities instead of limiting commerce. He stated that the chamber would remain against the decision to safeguard market balance and national income.
The interim government announced Presidential Order Number 174 from 2026 in April aimed at prohibiting the entry of high-end and unnecessary goods.
The prohibition stemmed from suggestions made by a group assigned to halt the drop in the local currency, directives issued by the Senior Economic Panel, and an analysis provided by the Department of Industry and Commerce.
The regulation applied to over 40 products, such as bottled milk, excluding powdered and baby formulas, certain processed goods, cookies, candies, jellies, mineral and fizzy drinks, pre-mixed fruit beverages, pottery, and granite.
As per the Central Bank of Sudan's 2025 foreign trade data report, Sudan's exports reached $2.64 billion, whereas imports amounted to $6.49 billion, leading to a trade gap of $3.86 billion.
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