Caustic soda imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
The DR Congo imported $23.1 million of caustic soda in 2024 (34.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 24% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $23.1M | 34.0K t |
| 2023 | $18.7M | 25.9K t |
| 2022 | $26.5M | 31.3K t |
| 2021 | $9.9M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.3M | 19.8K t |
| 2019 | $10.4M | 18.0K t |
| 2018 | $11.8M | 13.8K t |
| 2017 | $13.6M | 20.2K t |
Where the DR Congo imports caustic soda from
The largest suppliers were China (41%), Zambia (19%), Uganda (13%). Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+848% on the year before).
Product types under HS 2815
| 2815.11 | Sodium hydroxide solid | 99% |
| 2815.12 | Sodium hydroxide solution | 0.8% |
| 2815.20 | Potassium hydroxide | 0.4% |
| 2815.30 | Peroxides of sodium or potassium | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, 100% above the world average of $0.34. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
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 caustic soda imports (HS 2815): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2815: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of caustic soda imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported caustic soda worth $23.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 34.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply caustic soda to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($9.5 million), followed by Zambia (19%) and Uganda (13%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 848% on the year.
What is the average import price of caustic soda per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 100% above the world average of $0.34 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of caustic soda to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.6 million in 2017 to $23.1 million in 2024, an increase of 70%. The peak was 2022 at $26.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.3 million a year.
Does the DR Congo also export caustic soda?
Yes. The DR Congo exported $584 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia and Angola. On balance the DR Congo is a net importer of this product, by about $22.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for caustic soda?
The HS code for caustic soda is heading 2815. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 2815.11 (99% of the value) and 2815.12 (1%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the DR Congo. Tell us your product to see it live.
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