The fighting in Sudan has frozen trade of raw gum arabic both within the country and across its borders. Photo: ashraf shazly/Agence France-Presse/Getty ImagesThe conflict in Sudan has disrupted the supply of a little-known but crucial ingredient in soft drinks, chocolate bars, red wine and many other products, sparking concerns over shortages later in the year. The deadly power struggle between the East African nation’s top generals has claimed over 500 lives, left thousands injured and displaced many more. A lesser consequence of the fighting has been to choke the supply of gum arabic—80% of which is produced by Sudan’s acacia trees.

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