Saudi Arabia, UAE halt white sugar exports to Qatar – sources

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have halted exports of white sugar to Qatar after the two states severed relations with Doha, in the first sign that the diplomatic crisis is hitting food trade, trade sources said on Monday.

Qatar is dependent on the UAE and Saudi Arabia for its white sugar imports, which are estimated at less than 100,000 tonnes annually. Consumption is higher during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is currently being observed.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

Source: Reuters