Sudan: Khartoum State Lifts Export Route Ban After Years

• While the Sudanese army has secured the 'Exports' route, Emergency Order No. 2 of 2025, issued by the Governor of Khartoum State, which bans the transport of goods across the state's western borders, was reported in June 2026 as still being in effect.
• The securing of the route aims to facilitate the flow of essential goods to citizens living along the border between North Kordofan and Khartoum states.
• Export restrictions in Sudan are often tied to security concerns and efforts to manage supply chains for essential goods.
• Lawyers advising clients on trade in North Kordofan should note the implications for supply chains and pricing of essential goods, considering both military control and ongoing administrative restrictions.

The lifting of this ban is expected to facilitate the flow of essential goods to citizens living along the border between North Kordofan and Khartoum states, who have suffered from high prices due to reliance on smuggled goods.

While the Sudanese army has recently secured the 'Exports' route connecting Khartoum to North Kordofan, Emergency Order No. 2 of 2025, issued by the Governor of Khartoum State, which bans the transport of goods across the state's western borders, was reported in June 2026 as still being in effect and restricting commercial movement to North Kordofan state. This decision comes after years of restrictions aimed at curbing the smuggling of essential goods into areas bordering North Kordofan and Khartoum states. The ban was first imposed in December 2025 by the governor of Khartoum, as part of efforts to dry up supply lines for food and medicine into these regions, where rapid spread of Rapid Support Forces had been reported.

The securing of the export route is expected to facilitate the flow of essential goods to citizens living along the border between North Kordofan and Khartoum states, who have suffered from high prices due to reliance on smuggled goods. However, ongoing restrictions from Khartoum state continue to impact the full resumption of trade. The decision also removes restrictions on demand for commodities from neighboring states to Khartoum.

Export restrictions in Sudan are a complex issue, often tied to security concerns and efforts to manage supply chains for essential goods. In 2025, the governor of Khartoum imposed a ban on commercial movement through the 'Exports' route, citing the need to curb smuggling into areas bordering North Kordofan and Khartoum states. This move was part of broader efforts to address security concerns in these regions.

While the Sudanese army has regained control of the 'Exports' road, reports indicate that Emergency Order No. 2 of 2025, issued by the Governor of Khartoum State, banning the transport of goods across the state's western borders, remains in effect as of June 2026. This is significant, as it means trade routes, while physically secured by the military, may still face administrative restrictions. Lawyers advising clients on trade in North Kordofan should take note of the implications for supply chains and pricing of essential goods.

The securing of the export route by the Sudanese army has significant implications for trade and commerce in Sudan. By regaining control over commercial movement through the 'Exports' route, the government is facilitating the flow of essential goods to areas that have suffered from high prices due to reliance on smuggled goods. However, the continued existence of administrative restrictions, such as Emergency Order No. 2 of 2025 from the Governor of Khartoum State, means that the full impact on trade and commerce may still be limited.

This situation reflects a complex policy landscape aimed at supporting economic activity and addressing security concerns through military action, but with ongoing administrative measures. As trade routes become more secure, businesses and consumers can expect changes in supply chains and pricing for essential goods, though the extent will depend on the full lifting of all restrictions.

Lawyers advising clients on trade in North Kordofan should note the lifting of export route restrictions, which may impact supply chains and pricing for essential goods.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune