Khaberni - A document states that Sudan has decided to ban the import of a wide range of foodstuffs, consumer goods, and industrial inputs in an attempt to stop the decline in the value of its currency.
The Sudanese pound, which had already weakened considerably due to the war over three years, declined about 10% to 4100 against the dollar since the beginning of the American-Israeli war on Iran on February 28.
The goods, classified as "luxuries and non-essential" in a directive signed by Prime Minister Kamal Idris, include biscuits, chocolate, plastic bags, containers, fruits, vegetables, rice, cement, and dolls, in addition to "raw materials for companies".
The decision quickly drew criticisms from business groups.
Al-Sadiq Jalal al-Din, head of the Sudanese National Chamber of Importers, described the decision as "flawed, harmful to the Sudanese economy, and ill-considered," saying it would create monopolistic conditions for a select few.
The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary over three years has destroyed the country's economy, led to the suspension of most industries, paralyzed agriculture, increased gold smuggling, and exacerbated an already large trade deficit.
At the beginning of the conflict, the exchange rate of the Sudanese pound was about 600 pounds against the dollar.
Despite the displacement of about 14 million Sudanese, millions returned as the situation stabilized in central Sudan, leading to increased demand for imports, especially food and building materials.
