(4 minutes read)
· Sudan, in a surprise move, has banned the export of raw peanuts. This will create disruptions to international customers, who are dependent on imports from the country for their requirements
· However, peanut exporting companies are not well disposed with the sudden decision, which they apprehend would drive them out of business since they have to find new outlets for exporting processed peanuts.
· Sudan is the fifth largest producer of peanuts in the world and accounts for 14% of the world production. China and Indonesia are its main importers.
Sudan, in a surprise move, has banned the export of raw peanuts. This will create disruptions to international customers, who are dependent on imports from the country for their requirements.
Sudan is one of the world’s leading peanut producers. The step is the result of a recent decision taken by the administration to process raw nuts within the country and export. The value added exports will bring more foreign exchange to the country.
However, peanut exporting companies are not well disposed with thesudden decision, which they apprehend would drive them out of business since they have to find new outlets for exporting processed peanuts. There were many contracts in effect, which they are obligated to honor and the decision would put them in quandary. Sudan is the fifth largest producer of peanuts in the world and accounts for 14% of the world production. China and Indonesia are its main importers. Sudan’s production of peanuts was 1.5 million tonnes in 2019 valued at US$ 205 million as against US$ 59 million earned in 2018, according to official statistics.
Sudanese trade minister Madani Abbas Madani, defending the decision, said that the ban would maximize the market value of peanuts and the added value of Sudanese products. Peanuts are Sudan’s fifth biggest international earner preceded by gold, sesame, oil and livestock.
