Sudan Exports Gold Worth $1.536 Billion

The Central Bank of Sudan revealed that the country’s trade deficit widened to $3.8 billion last year.

Sudan has consistently recorded an annual trade deficit ranging between $3 billion and $6 billion, although it dropped to $1.7 billion in 2024.

According to the Central Bank’s Statistical Brief on Foreign Trade for 2025, Sudan’s total exports reached approximately $2.64 billion, compared with imports of $6.49 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of about $3.86 billion.

The bank noted that export revenues—amounting to $2.639 billion—were driven mainly by minerals, agricultural products, and livestock.

Sudan exported 14 tons, 722 kilograms, and 15 grams of gold, generating $1.536 billion. The country also exported live animals worth $466 million and sesame valued at $333 million.

Central Bank data indicate that gold alone accounted for more than 58 percent of Sudan’s total exports last year.

Official reports estimate Sudan’s gold production at 70 tons in 2025, while the Central Bank reports exports of only 14.7 tons, suggesting that a significant portion of production is smuggled, preventing Sudan from fully benefiting from the precious metal to reduce its trade deficit.

Data also show that Sudan has become less reliant on the United Arab Emirates as a destination for its exports, including gold. Previously, nearly 90 percent of Sudan’s gold production was exported to the UAE. However, total exports to the country—classified by Sudan as an aggressor state—amounted to $926 million last year.

Monthly Central Bank data show that the highest export value in 2025 was recorded in March, at approximately $383.2 million, followed by October with $279.2 million, and April with $254.8 million.

The Central Bank reported that Sudan imported food products worth $1.8 billion last year, including wheat valued at $413 million, wheat flour worth $232 million, and sugar valued at $552 million.

Imports of petroleum products reached $807 million in 2025, while chemical products amounted to $780 million, manufactured goods totaled $949 million, machinery and equipment reached $904 million, textiles stood at $357 million, and transport equipment reached $676 million.

This situation reflects the continued reliance of Sudan’s economy on imports of essential and capital goods, while its exports remain concentrated primarily in minerals, agricultural products, and livestock.