Trade with Sudan was minimal in the
years before the ban that was introduced in 1997. After the ban, US and Sudan
trade dropped substantially, but not completely. The US remained available for assistance
in times of absolute need with little to no imports from Sudan and very few
exports to Sudan. The reason for the embargo was due to Sudan’s government supporting
international terrorism, destabilizing surrounding governments and violating
human rights. Unfortunately, Sudan is still considered a state sponsor of
terrorism. Recently, Sudan has made counter-terrorism efforts, along with
progress towards human rights issues, because of this, the Sudan travel ban was
lifted and with that the trade embargo was lifted.
We all know
that opening to trade with a country will raise both countries TOT; in this
situation the US and Sudan will be gaining so much more from reestablishing
relations. In Sudan will have the ability to use the US to fight its battles
and aid them medically. The US obtains a strong presence in the area allowing the
US to bargain with nearby countries to then aid in the resolves between the US
and North Korea. It will be interesting to see how relations improve and how Sudan
as a whole improves from this.
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There is definitely a silver lining here, I don't think that the U.S has a big enough presence (in terms of trade) with countries on the continent of Africa, so seeing the U.S open up that channel is refreshing. Opening up to Sudan will most certainly help their bottom line and in the process could lead to an economic thawing by expanding trade even further beyond the Sudanese borders. This continent is huge in resources and untapped potential, this could be good for U.S companies that would like to expand into a new market, with wide reaching benefit and low cost.
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