Congo flag Congo: Economic and Political Overview

Foreign trade figures of Congo

Foreign Trade in Figures

Congo’s foreign trade policy promotes a favorable social and economic environment aimed at fostering international trade, which represented 96% of GDP in 2021 (World Bank). Customs duty are harmonized by the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC). They fluctuate between 5 and 30%. Congo is also a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). However, its integration is being delayed. Congo mainly exports crude oil and refined petroleum (55% of total exports), raw timber (14.5%), vessels (14.3%), vehicles, copper, machinery and zinc. Its main import products are meat (10.8% of total imports), boats (9.7%), machinery (8.5%), cereals (5.9%), vehicles, mineral fuels, electrical equipment, food and medicinal products (International Trade Centre, 2021).

Congo's exports are mainly sent to China (45.8% of total exports), Ivory Coast (8.6%), Togo (7.5%), Cameroon (5.4%), Gabon (4%), India and the United Arab Emirates; while its main suppliers are China (19.6% of total imports), France (12.5%), Belgium (9%), Russia, the United States, Namibia and India (International Trade Centre, 2021).
 
In 2021, WTO data showed that the country’s exports and imports of goods were valued at USD 6.97 billion and USD 2.3 billion respectively. Export of goods and services decreased by -12.2% compared to 2020, while imports increased by 2.5%. Increased oil production has stimulated exports and contributes to a substantive trade surplus.

 
Foreign Trade Values 20182019202020212022
Imports of Goods (million USD) 3,4862,2421,9082,3523,060
Exports of Goods (million USD) 11,1555,5764,8938,37810,661
Imports of Services (million USD) 01,6631,04100
Exports of Services (million USD) 026523400

Source: World Trade Organisation (WTO) ; Latest available data

Foreign Trade Indicators 20182019202020212022
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP) 120.0127.099.495.6111.6
Trade Balance (million USD) n/a4,3082,199n/an/a
Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD) n/a2,9101,391n/an/a
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) 5.13.2-36.32.54.8
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) 11.47.4-11.1-12.2-0.9
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) 49.053.242.437.240.2
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) 71.073.857.058.571.4

Source: World Bank ; Latest available data

Foreign Trade Forecasts 2023 (e)2024 (e)2025 (e)2026 (e)2027 (e)
Volume of exports of goods and services (Annual % change) -2.94.36.91.66.7
Volume of imports of goods and services (Annual % change) 13.95.54.73.32.1

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook ; Latest available data

Note: (e) Estimated Data

 
International Economic Cooperation
The Republic of the Congo is a member of the CEMAC - Central African Economic and Monetary Community and the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC). The country is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
 
 
 
 
 

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Latest Update: November 2023

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