The Sudanese Ministry of Trade and Supply has enacted an immediate ban on all imports from Kenya, citing Kenya’s decision to host leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The ban, detailed in a ministerial letter, is a direct response to perceived Kenyan support for the RSF, which is engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces.
The decision is based on Cabinet Resolutions 129 of 2024 and 104 of 2021, and recommendations from a Sovereignty Council committee tasked with addressing Kenya’s hosting of the RSF.
“The import of all products coming from Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and ports will be suspended as of this day until further notice,” said a decree issued by Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali.
The move follows the RSF’s signing of a political charter in Nairobi, aiming to establish a parallel government in Sudan, which the Sudanese government views as a hostile act.
Economic Impact
According to statistics from the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), in the year to December 2024, Sudan was the 12th largest importer of Kenyan tea with 10.7 million kilograms in exports worth Ksh 2.3 billion.
The ban is expected to cause substantial financial losses for Kenyan exporters, especially within the tea industry.
The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) has raised concerns about stranded shipments and potential losses for buyers and producers.
“Teas are currently at Port Sudan, and several containers already dispatched are now stranded in the high seas. This will result in unfathomable losses incurred by buyers and will trickle down to producers and farmers,” the association warned.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has already impacted trade, with a reported 12% reduction in Kenyan tea exports over the past year.
While Port Sudan remains under military control, an RSF advisor has offered assurances of safe passage for Kenyan goods in RSF-controlled areas; however, this does not solve the issues at Port Sudan.
| Year | Kenya Exports to Sudan (USD Million) | Sudan Exports to Kenya (USD Million) |
| 2020 | 48.15 | 5.39 |
| 2021 | 47.39 | 5.37 |
| 2022 | 48.93 | 5.48 |
| 2023 | 48.15 | 5.39 |
| 2024 | None | None |
Kenyan Response
The Kenyan government, through the Agriculture Minister, has indicated it is pursuing diplomatic solutions to address the trade ban.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stated that the government is seeking diplomatic solutions to the disagreement.
“That the Government will explore diplomatic avenues in order to address the market access challenges of Kenya in Iran and Sudan markets,” said Kagwe.
In a meeting with tea stakeholders, the ministry reached a twelve-point agreement to improve farmer earnings and ensure tea quality, including measures to curb green leaf malpractices and establish a Tea Council.