Sudan’s gold exports to the UAE fell sharply in 2025, while Egypt emerged as the leading buyer for the first time in years.
Official data from the Central Bank of Sudan showed shipments to Abu Dhabi fell to 8.2 metric tons last year, down from 22.2 tons in 2024.
The UAE’s share of Sudanese gold exports dropped to 56%, falling from nearly total dominance just two years earlier, according to Bloomberg.
In contrast, Egypt imported about five tons of Sudanese gold, valued at $417 million, marking a twenty-fold increase from 2024.
A Chatham House study notes most Sudanese gold originates from small-scale, traditional mining, often flowing through regional hubs including Chad, Egypt, and Eritrea.
The research links export shifts to Sudan’s ongoing conflict, suggesting UAE and Egypt’s support for rival factions influenced import volumes.
Authorities warn official figures underestimate trade, with widespread smuggling especially prevalent in traditional mining regions across Sudan.
Despite declining export volumes, Sudanese revenues held steady, buoyed by rising global gold prices, with UAE-bound shipments valued at $865 million in 2025.
Analysts say Egypt’s sudden rise reflects both market shifts and the strategic tug-of-war over Sudan’s war-affected gold industry.
The changing patterns highlight regional competition and the resilience of Sudanese gold trade amid instability and ongoing conflict.
