EXPLAINERNews|Sudan warHow is gum arabic fuelling the war in Sudan?Before war broke out in April 2023, Sudan was the world’s biggest gum arabic exporter, with an estimated market share of 70 to 80 percent.

Gum arabic, a resin obtained from the acacia senegal tree, is significantly impacting the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This natural product is being used to finance the war efforts of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It serves as a crucial emulsifier and binder in numerous products including soft drinks, ice cream, adhesives, and cosmetics.

Gum arabic is a resin tapped from the acacia senegal tree, prevalent across Central Africa. Once processed into a powder, it is used in various industries for its emulsifying and binding properties. It is often labeled as "gum arabic", "acacia gum", "E414", or "I414" on product ingredient lists.

In 2024, approximately 200,000 tonnes of gum arabic were imported globally, generating a market value of nearly $300 million. Despite sanctions on Sudan in the 1990s, gum arabic was excluded due to its essential role in international industries.

Sudan's Position in the Gum Arabic Market

Sudan is a major player in the global gum arabic market, primarily producing the popular hashab variety. Before the conflict in April 2023, Sudan held an estimated 70-80% market share in gum arabic exports. The country's climate is particularly suited for cultivating the hashab variant.

However, the exact figures for Sudan's gum arabic production and export remain unclear due to the opaque nature of the trade.

Impact of Sudan's Conflict on Gum Arabic Trade

Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, official export numbers from Sudan have significantly decreased. Nonetheless, exports from neighboring countries have increased, suggesting that gum arabic is being smuggled out of Sudan to fund the war.

Smuggling is carried out by both regular traders and the RSF, with gum arabic being transported to countries such as Chad and South Sudan. The RSF imposes levies on traders and loots gum arabic to sell across borders.

European companies, particularly those in France and Germany, are major buyers of gum arabic. While these companies claim to adhere to ethical sourcing practices, research indicates that some imports have indirectly supported the RSF's activities.

Companies like Nexira and Alland & Robert have stated their commitment to traceability standards, although challenges remain in ensuring that gum arabic is conflict-free.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated risks for those involved in the gum arabic supply chain, affecting farmers, tappers, and other workers. Despite increased prices for hashab gum arabic, those at the production level earn marginally less due to the conflict-driven market dynamics.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.