In Sudan, the civil war has disrupted the gum arabic trade, with the RSF controlling harvest areas and facilitating smuggling to neighboring countries. Negligible legal oversight has led to concerns about the legitimacy of the product, impacting major global companies reliant on this ingredient. Traders increasingly face pressures from rogue suppliers and shifting market dynamics as they navigate an environment of uncertainty and conflict.
The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, marked by clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the national army, has severely disrupted the gum arabic trade, a crucial ingredient used in various consumer products, notably Coca-Cola and M&Ms. With the RSF controlling vital gum-harvesting regions in Kordofan and Darfur, the sale and movement of this raw material have transitioned to informal channels, raising concerns regarding its origin and legitimacy.
In summary, the gum arabic supply chain from Sudan is now fraught with challenges due to the prevailing conflict and illicit trade practices overseen by the RSF. As traders exploit the lack of oversight, globally recognized companies must reassess their procurement strategies to avoid involvement in unethical sourcing. The situation highlights the complexities faced by the international food ingredient market amidst geopolitical turmoil.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
