Washington Gafer ALSUBKI
The United States Department of Commerce is expected to issue a final ruling in the coming weeks imposing stricter export restrictions on Sudan after the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) included the measure in its final regulatory agenda.
The move represents the implementation of a second round of U.S. sanctions announced recently by the State Department following Washington’s allegations that the Sudanese government used chemical or biological weapons during 2024.
Sources told Al-Sudania News that the new measures are being implemented under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act, describing the decision as part of the U.S. administration’s broader policy to pressure Sudan while promoting peace efforts and addressing the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
According to the sources, the practical implications of the new measures amount to placing Sudan under restrictions comparable to those imposed on countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, significantly tightening export controls and expanding economic pressure on the Sudanese government.
Mohamed Ali Salem, a researcher specializing in U.S.-African affairs, told Al-Sudania News that the first package of sanctions had been scheduled to enter into force on June 6, while the latest restrictions have now been incorporated into the Commerce Department’s final regulatory agenda.
“The regulation is expected to be published in the Federal Register within the coming weeks, after which it will become legally effective,” Salem said.
He noted that the sanctions are being introduced as Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, while the United States continues to accuse multiple actors of supplying weapons to the country’s warring parties.
Salem added that the administration of President Donald Trump remains committed to supporting international efforts aimed at ending the conflict, urging both sides to accept an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery and civilian protection.
Second Round of Sanctions
Less than two weeks ago, Washington officially announced what it described as a second round of sanctions against Sudan.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the latest package includes:
- Further tightening of U.S. export restrictions on Sudan.
- U.S. opposition to financial or technical assistance for Sudan through international financial institutions.
- A ban on Sudanese state-owned airlines operating within the United States.
The latest measures build on sanctions imposed by Washington on May 22, 2025, which restricted U.S. exports to Sudan and limited the country’s access to international credit facilities.
Those sanctions officially entered into force on June 6, 2025, following the completion of the statutory notification process.
The forthcoming Commerce Department regulation is expected to further expand those restrictions once it is published in the Federal Register, making the new export controls legally binding and marking another significant escalation in U.S. economic measures against Sudan.
