Sudan’s gold industry, a major source of foreign currency, is struggling as conflict, damaged infrastructure, and broken trade ties take their toll.

Gold prices are at record highs, but Sudanese traders are missing out. Sudan is one of Africa’s top gold producers and exporters, but ongoing fighting and trade disruptions have hit the industry hard.

“The current market is incredibly difficult. It’s a heavy blow to the gold sector,” said Mohammed Al-Sawakni, head of the Gold Industry Association in Sudan’s Red Sea State.

Most gold mining in Sudan is still done by traditional methods. Since the conflict began, insecurity has reduced output, and more gold is being smuggled out illegally.

Processing and trade have also suffered. Raw material shortages have forced some refineries to cut back or shut down. Small workshops and retailers are struggling, and lower trade volumes have squeezed traders’ profits.

Years of civil war have crippled Sudan’s production and exports. In May, the government cut ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces. “The UAE is one of the Middle East’s main gold markets and trading hubs,” said economist Ahmed Omar Khojali. “It won’t be easy for Sudan to find new markets.”

In response, Sudan’s government is stepping up efforts against illegal mining and smuggling while seeking to tighten regulation of gold sales and exports.

Authorities are planning an international gold exchange in Khartoum and a global online trading platform to streamline gold circulation and open new export channels during the crisis.