Copper ingots exports from the DR Congo: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of copper ingots by the DR Congo reached $19.50 billion in 2024 (2.08 million tonnes). It ranks 1st of 150 countries for exports of this product. That is 57% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 39% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $19.50B | 2.08M t |
| 2023 | $12.41B | 1.44M t |
| 2022 | $12.26B | 1.37M t |
| 2021 | $9.20B | 984.1K t |
| 2020 | $5.00B | 796.9K t |
| 2019 | $3.35B | 549.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.12B | 471.5K t |
| 2017 | $1.92B | 315.0K t |
Where the DR Congo exports copper ingots to
One buyer market dominates: China accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+140% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.01B | 72% |
| South Korea | $937.4M | 4.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $857.7M | 4.4% |
| Egypt | $658.0M | 3.4% |
| Spain | $647.0M | 3.3% |
| Italy | $399.3M | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $371.2M | 1.9% |
| United States | $298.7M | 1.5% |
| Germany | $268.6M | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $203.6M | 1% |
Product types under HS 7403
| 7403.11 | Copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes | 98% |
| 7403.19 | Refined copper other forms | 1.7% |
| 7403.13 | Copper billets | 0% |
| 7403.21 | Brass ingots | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7403.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.37 per kg, close to the world average of $9.12.
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 copper ingots exports (HS 7403): 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 7403: Copper; refined and copper alloys, unwrought.
Common questions
What is the value of copper ingots exported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo exported copper ingots worth $19.50 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.08 million tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 150 countries worldwide, with 20% of world exports. The value was up 57% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper ingots from the DR Congo?
China was the largest buyer with 72% of the value ($14.01 billion), followed by South Korea (5%) and Saudi Arabia (4%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 27 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 245% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper ingots per kg?
The average declared export value was about $9.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $9.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of copper ingots from the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.92 billion in 2017 to $19.50 billion in 2024, an increase of 917%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.34 billion a year.
What is the HS code for copper ingots?
The HS code for copper ingots is heading 7403. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 7403.11 (98% of the value) and 7403.19 (2%).
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
Copper ingots product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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