Sudan Conflict Disrupts Global Gum Arabic Supply

Gum Arabic, a natural resin from Acacia trees, is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics for its emulsifying, stabilizing, and health-enhancing properties.

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Context: The ongoing civil war between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has significantly disrupted the legal supply chain of Gum Arabic.

About Gum Arabic

It is a natural gum derived from the hardened sap of two species of the Acacia tree – Senegalia Senegal and Vachellia seyal.
Production: Mostly in Sudan (80%) and throughout the Sahel (from Senegal to Somalia).
It is soluble in water and edible.
Uses: Food Industry, Cosmetics, and in Pharmaceuticals as Emulsifiers and stabilizers.

Impact of Sudan’s Civil War on Trade

RSF Seizure of Key Regions

RSF took control of Kordofan and Darfur, the main gum-harvesting regions, in late 2023.
Sudanese traders must pay fees to RSF to market their products.

Rise of Informal Trade Routes

Gum Arabic is being smuggled into neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, Cameroon, South Sudan, and Kenya.
Traders are selling gum at lower prices without proper certification.