Democratic Republic of Congo: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is open to foreign trade which represented 60% of its GDP in 2008, before the reduction of trade due to the effects of the global recession (it only represented 30% of the GDP in 2009). The government of President Joseph Kabila has implemented a series of reforms aimed at improving the country's business framework and at diversifying its exports, it is also trying to promote regional integration.

Meanwhile, the country, which had its first democratic transition in 2006, has to manage the challenge posed by the political instability in the eastern part of the country. This problem has a considerable impact in the country's economic performance.

The DRC imports much more than what it exports, which translates into a substantial deficit in its trade balance and it is expected that it will remain negative for the next decade. The main trade partners of the Democratic Republic of Congo are the European Union, China and the countries members of the SADC (Community of Development of Southern Africa).

Foreign Trade Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Imports of Goods (million USD)	2,892	3,400	4,300	3,800	4,500
Exports of Goods (million USD)	2,705	3,100	4,400	3,500	5,400
Imports of Services (million USD)	762	1,441	1,853	1,658	2,497
Exports of Services (million USD)	169	200	326	414	291
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	5	9	16	-12	17
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	2	10	-4	5	9
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	75	65	62	30	50
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	44	38	39	21	34
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	31	27	23	9	15

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 Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Member of Member of African Union (AU)
Assessment of Commercial Policy: Country’s commercial policy
Barriers to exchanges
Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products): 13.02%

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

Useful Resources: The customs website

Egyptian Embassy in the Republic Democratic of Congo
519 AVENUE OUGANDA, GOMBE
8388 KINSHASA
Phone: (+243) 5110137
Fax: (+243) 8803728
Contact the Embassy via Email.

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