Sudan has raised the exchange rate used to calculate import duties for the fourth time this year, adding to concerns over rising prices as the pound weakens and war disrupts trade and production.
The customs dollar rate increased from 3,960 Sudanese pounds to 4,346 pounds, according to a Sudanese Customs Authority decision reported by Alrakoba. The figures represent an increase of about 9.7%.
The rate determines the local-currency value of imports for customs calculations. Its increase could push up import costs, with traders and importers warning that consumers are likely to bear part of the burden through higher retail prices.
Food, spare parts and medicines are among the goods that could be affected, Sudanese outlet Al-Mashhad reported, potentially placing further pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs.
Sources familiar with the decision linked the adjustment to the pound’s depreciation against foreign currencies on the parallel market.
Sudanese markets have seen accelerating price increases in recent weeks as the weakening currency compounds the effects of war on production, trade and supply chains.
The pressure has persisted despite measures by the Central Bank of Sudan giving commercial banks greater flexibility to set exchange rates and purchase export earnings according to foreign-exchange supply and demand.
