Importers’ chamber warns of shadow economy growth as Sudan hikes customs dollar

January 22, 2026 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Importers’ Chamber warned on Thursday of a surge in the shadow economy following a recent hike in the customs dollar rate and reiterated its rejection of a new mandatory cargo tracking system.

The chamber described the government’s Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system as a “direct threat to national security and information integrity,” despite official claims that the digital platform is designed to streamline trade.

The ACD system, which came into effect on January 1, requires importers to submit shipment data before goods arrive to allow for security screenings and reduce clearance times.

In late December, the Sudanese Customs Authority raised the customs dollar rate by 13.7% to 2,827 pounds from 2,486 pounds. Authorities said the move aimed to align official exchange rates with market developments and boost public revenue.

At a press conference in Port Sudan, the National Importers’ Chamber said the sector faces “catastrophic obstacles” that directly impact the cost of living.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Supply Awad Salam defended the government’s “Baladna” national platform, calling it a project to digitize foreign trade, increase transparency, and prevent smuggling. He said the ministry is working to ensure the availability of basic goods at fair prices.

However, Ali Salah Ali, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, said that while he supports digitalization through the Baladna platform, the ACD system remains a significant barrier to trade.

Al-Sadiq Jalal al-Din, head of the Importers’ Chamber, said the sharp increase in the customs dollar has backfired, leading to a decline in official customs revenues as importers turn to the shadow economy to avoid high costs.

“These policies have eroded purchasing power and created cumulative inflation,” Jalal al-Din said, adding that economic policies since 2018 have failed to provide stability.

The chamber called for an immediate review of the country’s economic direction, warning that continued pressure on the import sector, the backbone of essential commodity supply, threatens overall economic development.