Conflict in Sudan Disrupts Global Supply of Arabic Gum

[REUTERS] Conflict erupted in April between Sudan's army and paramilitary RSP, with fighting in the capital city of Khartoum "paralysing the economy and disrupting basic communications."

The Sahel region, which cuts through Sudan, accounts for roughly "70% of the world's supply of gum arabic" and is "one of the country's most sought-after products and a key ingredient in everything from fizzy drinks to candy and cosmetics."

"While cosmetics and printing manufacturers may be able to use substitutes, there is no alternative to gum arabic in fizzy drinks, where it prevents ingredients from separating."

What it's used for

Gum arabic (INCI: Acacia Senegal Gum) is used as an emollient, thickener, and a film-forming/adhering agent in cosmetics and can be found in products such as sunscreen and colored cosmetics such as lipsticks (Skincare Lab).