Congo: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

The Republic of Congo is open to international trade. Foreign trade represents almost 130% of the GDP. The government's trade policy promotes the creation of a social and economic environment favorable to international trade.

Customs duties are still high in Congo. Despite the fact that the country has developed close ties on the economic and educational front with other African countries, the under-development of the Congolese financial sector continues to be a major trade barrier. High transport costs, political instability, the damage caused by the war, insecurity, low productivity and high production costs are all factors unfavorable to foreign trade.

Congo exports more than it imports, creating a surplus trade balance. With the drop in oil prices and the effects of the crisis on foreign demand, this suplus has nonetheless started to shrink.

Congo's main trading partners are the United States, the European Union and China.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Imports of Goods (million USD)	2,013	2,530	3,050	2,900	2,900
Exports of Goods (million USD)	6,078	5,635	8,300	6,100	8,200
Imports of Services (million USD)	2,422	3,523	3,581	3,396	-
Exports of Services (million USD)	251	303	369	377	-
Trade Balance (million USD)	4,062	2,950	-	-	-
Current Account (million USD)	124	-2,181	-	-	-
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	150	130	120	123	133
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	66	54	47	51	50
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	84	77	73	72	82

Source: WTO - World Trade Organization ; World Bank - Last Available Data.

To go further, check out our service Import export flows

Commercial Policy

Main International Economic Cooperation: Member of World Trade Organisation
Member of CEMAC - Central African Economic and Monetary Community

Member of COMESA - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Assessment of Commercial Policy: The assessment of Congo commercial policy
Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products): 18.5 %

List of tariffs and local taxes that apply to your product on our service Customs duties and local taxes

Useful Resources: Customs information page (in French)

Egyptian Embassy in Congo
Avenue Bayardelle No.7 bis, Centre ville
917 Brazzaville
Phone: (+242)810794
Fax: (+242)811533
Contact the Embassy via Email.
National Organization of Intellectual Property: Contact the National Industrial Property Unit by Email.

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