Sudan’s SAF government is preparing to allow imports of sorghum from Ukraine and Brazil as authorities seek to contain soaring food prices and ease pressure on consumers and the country’s struggling poultry industry.
The proposed measures also include importing frozen poultry, eliminating customs duties on grain shipments and increasing competition in domestic markets, according to a report by Sudanese newspaper Al-Taghyeer.
An official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said instructions had been issued to open the market to imports following a proposal submitted by the Emergency and Civil Support Coordination Committee.
The proposal highlights a widening gap between international and domestic sorghum prices, with the grain selling for approximately $200 to $230 per tonne on global markets compared with around $800 per tonne in Sudan.
The sharp difference has placed additional financial pressure on households and food producers already struggling with the economic consequences of the country’s prolonged conflict.
Poultry industry faces mounting costs
The proposed imports are expected to provide significant relief to Sudan’s poultry industry, which relies heavily on sorghum as a primary ingredient in animal feed.
According to the proposal, sorghum accounts for approximately 75% of poultry feed ingredients, while the industry consumes more than half of Sudan’s domestic sorghum production.
Rising grain prices have consequently pushed up poultry production costs, making chicken increasingly expensive for consumers.
Officials are considering allowing both public and private companies to import sorghum without customs duties or taxes.
Imported grain would be sold at prices below prevailing domestic rates, using a reference price established by the Agricultural Bank of Sudan.
The measures are intended to expand supplies, encourage competition and reduce the influence of traders accused of monopolising parts of the grain market.
Frozen poultry imports also under consideration
Authorities are also examining plans to permit imports of frozen chicken to increase food availability and reduce pressure on domestic poultry producers.
The proposal argues that importing frozen poultry could reduce demand for locally produced feed, freeing up greater quantities of sorghum for human consumption.
Sorghum remains a staple food across much of Sudan, making its availability and affordability critical to household food security.
Supporters of the plan believe increasing imports could ease pressure on both consumers and livestock producers while helping stabilise food markets.
Grain prices could fall by up to 40%
Under the proposal’s projections, a 100-kilogram sack of sorghum could become 30% to 40% cheaper if the import measures are fully implemented.
Poultry prices could also decline by approximately 25% to 35%, according to the estimates.
However, the projected reductions remain conditional on the implementation of the measures, and the report did not establish whether import contracts had been finalised or shipments arranged.
The proposals come as Sudan’s economy continues to suffer from the effects of war, disrupted agricultural production and supply chains, and rising costs for essential commodities.
For millions of Sudanese households, the availability of affordable sorghum remains particularly important as food insecurity and declining purchasing power place basic necessities increasingly beyond reach.
