Automotive lighting imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of automotive lighting by the DR Congo reached $2.9 million in 2024 (287 tonnes). Value fell 32% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $4.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.9M | 287 t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 325 t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 408 t |
| 2021 | $2.2M | 221 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 198 t |
| 2019 | $1.5M | 60 t |
| 2018 | $1.8M | 149 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 66 t |
Where the DR Congo imports automotive lighting from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 70% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+194% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 70% |
| South Africa | $534K | 18% |
| India | $153K | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | $70K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $45K | 1.5% |
| Zambia | $27K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $22K | 0.7% |
| Uganda | $7K | 0.2% |
| Brazil | $6K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $3K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 8512
| 8512.20 | Motor vehicle lights | 71% |
| 8512.90 | Vehicle lighting and wiper parts | 14% |
| 8512.30 | Vehicle horns and signals | 11% |
| 8512.40 | Windscreen wipers and defrosters | 4.8% |
| 8512.10 | Bicycle lights | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8512.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.24 per kg, 60% below the world average of $25.79, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in the DR Congo?
The shipment records behind DR Congo automotive lighting imports (HS 8512): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8512: Lighting or visual signalling equipment (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles.
Common questions
What is the value of automotive lighting imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported automotive lighting worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 287 tonnes. That ranks it 124th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 32% on 2023.
Which countries supply automotive lighting to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 70% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by South Africa (18%) and India (5%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 318% on the year.
What is the average import price of automotive lighting per kg?
The average declared import value was about $10.24 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $25.79 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of automotive lighting to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 102%. The peak was 2023 at $4.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for automotive lighting?
The HS code for automotive lighting is heading 8512. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 8512.20 (71% of the value) and 8512.90 (14%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For the DR Congo, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World automotive lighting trade: top importers and exporters
Automotive lighting product types in DR Congo
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