Sudan has witnessed a new increase in the customs dollar rate after the Customs Authority decided to raise it from 2,827 pounds to 3,222 pounds, a 14% increase. The move aims to boost government revenues and keep pace with the rapid rise in the exchange rate.
The decision has sparked widespread concern over its direct impact on the prices of essential goods and production inputs, as the customs dollar is a key factor in determining import costs.
Traders confirmed that the new increase has already taken effect, while the dollar continued to rise in the parallel market, surpassing 4,000 pounds for the first time.
Al-Sadiq Jalal Al-Din Saleh, head of the chamber, stated that “the customs dollar has been adjusted nine times from January 2025 to April 2026, marking a 61% increase, while it has risen by more than 11,000% since its liberalization in June 2021.”
Prices of essential goods and bread have surged to record levels due to rising transportation and production costs. These developments coincide with the ongoing pressures of war in the country since mid-April 2023, further worsening living conditions for Sudanese citizens.
On the other hand, the government linked the decision to a package of measures aimed at regulating imports, seeking to achieve balance in the trade deficit and enhance economic stability, at a time when indicators point to rising imports compared to exports.
