Sudan’s gold export landscape underwent a significant transformation in 2025, reflecting both internal political disruptions and a broader reconfiguration of regional trade routes in the precious metals market.
Export volumes to the United Arab Emirates declined sharply to approximately 8.2 tonnes, down from 22.2 tonnes in 2024, reducing the UAE’s share of Sudanese gold exports from nearly 99% to around 56%. Despite this contraction, total export revenues remained relatively resilient at approximately $865 million, supported by elevated global gold prices.
In contrast, exports to Egypt surged to around 4.9 tonnes, valued at approximately $517 million—nearly a twentyfold increase compared to the previous year. This shift positioned Egypt as the leading destination for Sudanese gold exports for the first time in recent years. Meanwhile, shipments to Oman also expanded, doubling to roughly 0.7 tonnes.
The redirection of trade flows is closely linked to ongoing conflict within Sudan, particularly between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has disrupted traditional supply chains and export channels. The country’s gold sector—dominated by artisanal and informal mining—continues to face structural challenges, with estimates indicating total production of around 70 tonnes in 2025, compared to officially reported exports of only 14.7 tonnes, highlighting a substantial informal market.
Historically, the UAE functioned as the principal hub for Sudanese gold, often via transit routes through neighboring countries. However, recent geopolitical and economic shifts have accelerated diversification in export destinations, with Egypt increasingly emerging as a regional hub for raw gold inflows.
As The Middle East Observer notes, the evolving pattern of Sudan’s gold exports signals a deeper restructuring of regional commodity flows, with implications for trade networks, regulatory frameworks, and foreign exchange dynamics across Northeast Africa and the Gulf.
