Copper ore exports from the DR Congo: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of copper ore by the DR Congo reached $3.03 billion in 2024 (803.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 31% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $3.03B | 803.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.32B | 654.3K t |
| 2022 | $1.79B | 628.6K t |
| 2021 | $670.7M | 426.7K t |
| 2020 | $732.3M | 2.39M t |
| 2019 | $564.4M | 281.2K t |
| 2018 | $1.24B | 634.6K t |
| 2017 | $923.8M | 756.5K t |
Where the DR Congo exports copper ore to
China alone took 83% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+73% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.52B | 83% |
| Serbia | $223.4M | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $147.8M | 4.9% |
| India | $86.3M | 2.9% |
| Spain | $48.7M | 1.6% |
| United States | $6K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.77 per kg, 56% above the world average of $2.42. 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 copper ore exports (HS 2603): 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 2603: Copper ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of copper ore exported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo exported copper ore worth $3.03 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 803.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 108 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper ore from the DR Congo?
China was the largest buyer with 83% of the value ($2.52 billion), followed by Serbia (7%) and Zambia (5%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 10 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 73% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.77 per kg in 2024, 56% above the world average of $2.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of copper ore from the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Exports went from $923.8 million in 2017 to $3.03 billion in 2024, an increase of 228%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.41 billion a year.
What is the HS code for copper ore?
The HS code for copper ore is heading 2603. In the DR Congo all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2603.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2603 page.
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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the DR Congo
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