Does Sudan's sesame account for 40% of the global market but go unnoticed?

When it comes to African trade, do golden, diamonds or coffee beans come to your mind? But Mr. Zhang, who has been stationed in Khartoum, said: "Sudan's annual sesame exports account for 40% of the global market, yet it's even difficult to find a professional agency company." This neglected market is hiding the opportunities that Chinese foreign trade people are most worth exploring...

When engaging in export trade in Sudan, you will face three major challenges:

• The local bank has strict foreign exchange control, and the payment settlement cycle can last up to 3-6 months

• There is a risk of version differences between Arabic contracts and English customs declaration documents

• 80% of high-quality suppliers are scattered in the suburbs, resulting in extremely high inspection costs

Ms. Li from Zhongshitong shared a case: A Shenzhen electronics company was detained at the Port of Sudan due to failing to verify the special requirements of the Sudanese SGS certification, resulting in a loss of more than 200,000 US dollars.

A professional export agency should provide four pillar services:

• Legal compliance: Handle 12 necessary documents such as COC certificates and origin certifications

• Supply chain management: A full-process quality control system from the field to the port

• Risk hedging: Use the Dubai transshipment warehouse to avoid exchange rate fluctuations

• Cultural bridge: Solve the hidden difficulties such as the sharp drop in work efficiency during Ramadan

It is worth noting that the Sudanese government has enforced the pre-inspection system for agricultural product exports since 2022, and an agency without a local team simply cannot complete it.

Judge the professionalism of the agency through three dimensions:

• Check whether it has an "A-class trade license" issued by the Sudan Chamber of Commerce

• Request to provide the customs clearance time record of the last 3 months

• Verify its on-site inspection ability in producing areas such as the Gezira State

A Mr. Wang who wishes to remain anonymous revealed: "Some agents claim to be able to handle all categories, but in fact they don't even have the moisture content detection equipment for sesame."

With the Sudanese new investment law relaxing foreign investment restrictions, Chinese enterprises are now facing a window period in the fields of agricultural deep processing and medical devices. But as Mr. Zhang said at the beginning: "Without the escort of a professional agency, no matter how good the business opportunity is, it will become a trap."

Are you ready to develop this last blue ocean of trade? Welcome to share your insights on the African market in the comment area, or send a private message to obtain the latest Sudan export compliance white paper.