By: Sudan tribune

Sudanese gold prices have risen significantly despite a decline in global markets, while the gold exporters union announced that shipments to new international markets will begin next week.Africans & Diaspora

Mutasim Mohammed Saleh, Secretary-General of the Gold Exporters Union, told Sudan Tribune that global prices have faced a downward trend amid economic tensions. He noted that developments in the Arabian Gulf have impacted trade flows and energy supplies.

Saleh explained that the global decline coincided with rising oil prices, leading to varied investor behaviour between profit-taking and cautious anticipation, causing sharp fluctuations in gold rates.

In contrast to the global market, local prices in Sudan rose. The price of 21-carat gold reached approximately 455,000 Sudanese pounds ($134.50) per gram, compared with a global equivalent of about 440,000 Sudanese pounds ($130.06) per gram.Sudan travel guide

This domestic surge is attributed to a decrease in supply following a large number of miners halting operations during Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Sudan relies heavily on traditional artisanal mining, which accounts for roughly 80% of total production. The remaining 20% comes from the organized industrial sector, with activities concentrated in the River Nile, Northern, and Red Sea states.

Saleh noted that the temporary closure of processing markets contributed to the supply shortage, increasing competition among buyers. He expects prices to return to normal levels once production resumes after the holiday period.

Regarding trade, Saleh confirmed that advanced arrangements are in place to open new alternative markets. This move is part of a strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on specific traditional buyers.

The union official stated that actual export operations to these new markets are scheduled to begin next week. Sudan currently exports gold primarily to the United Arab Emirates, as well as to Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and several African nations.Sudan travel guide

Technical estimates suggest that between 48% and 60% of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled through informal channels.

Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim previously announced that gold production in 2025 reached approximately 70 tons, while official exports did not exceed 20 tons.

The Central Bank of Sudan reported that the country exported 14.7 tons of gold during 2025, generating $1.536 billion in revenue. Gold currently represents more than 58% of Sudan’s total exports.