Wildfire in Sudan — Green alert

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Sudan Wildfires

1. Summary

Wildfires occurred in Sudan from April 8-16, lasting 8 days, and are classified as moderate risk. Combined with the ongoing civil war, damage to natural resources including acacia forests is being compounded.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural commodities - Concerns over soil contamination and productivity decline due to fires near production areas of Sudan's major agricultural products (sesame, gum arabic, cotton)
• Timber and forest products - Loss of natural resin sources such as acacia could potentially impact the global gum arabic (food additive) supply chain
• Logistics infrastructure - Road networks and transportation routes around fire areas blocked, further worsening already limited export routes
• Regional production base - Fire damage overlapping with agricultural infrastructure already vulnerable from civil war, expected to delay recovery

3. Watch points

• Gum arabic price trends - Close observation of international price volatility given Sudan accounts for over 70% of global supply
• Alternative supply activation in neighboring countries - Track movements toward increased forest product production and export expansion in surrounding countries like Chad and Ethiopia
• Seasonal spread risk - Continued monitoring of fire recurrence potential due to ongoing dry season and impact on agricultural seasons