Copper scrap exports from the DR Congo: data, top buyers and prices
The DR Congo exported $15.8 million of copper scrap in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 14% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $34.3 million.
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 | $15.8M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $25.7M | 3.4K t |
| 2021 | $17.9M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $8.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $18.9M | 3.6K t |
| 2018 | $34.3M | 5.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.1M | 1.9K t |
Where the DR Congo exports copper scrap to
Most of it went to India (31%), China (17%), South Africa (14%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+794% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $4.8M | 31% |
| China | $2.7M | 17% |
| South Africa | $2.1M | 14% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 14% |
| Belgium | $1.9M | 12% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 9.2% |
| Japan | $212K | 1.4% |
| Spain | $181K | 1.2% |
| Turkey | $148K | 0.9% |
| Hong Kong | $94K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.47 per kg, close to the world average of $6.44.
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 scrap exports (HS 7404): 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 7404: Copper; waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of copper scrap exported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo exported copper scrap worth $15.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 98th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries buy copper scrap from the DR Congo?
India was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($4.8 million), followed by China (17%) and South Africa (14%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 794% on the year.
What is the average export price of copper scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.47 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $6.44 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of copper scrap from the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.1 million in 2017 to $15.8 million in 2024, an increase of 73%. The peak was 2018 at $34.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for copper scrap?
The HS code for copper scrap is heading 7404. In the DR Congo all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7404.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7404 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the DR Congo trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the DR Congo
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