Detergent imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
The DR Congo imported $134.7 million of detergent in 2024 (79.2 thousand tonnes). That is 10% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% a year on average.
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 | $134.7M | 79.2K t |
| 2023 | $122.8M | 79.6K t |
| 2022 | $124.7M | 80.2K t |
| 2021 | $92.6M | 76.1K t |
| 2020 | $79.2M | 51.4K t |
| 2019 | $58.4M | 37.8K t |
| 2018 | $52.8M | 32.3K t |
| 2017 | $30.3M | 21.1K t |
Where the DR Congo imports detergent from
Zambia alone supplied 51% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+195% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $68.2M | 51% |
| China | $18.7M | 14% |
| South Africa | $14.9M | 11% |
| Namibia | $11.6M | 8.6% |
| Kenya | $7.9M | 5.9% |
| Belgium | $2.7M | 2% |
| Angola | $2.5M | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $2.4M | 1.8% |
| Uganda | $1.6M | 1.2% |
| India | $1.1M | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 3402
| 3402.20 | Retail laundry detergent | 61% |
| 3402.90 | Bulk washing concentrate | 22% |
| 3402.19 | Amphoteric surfactant | 13% |
| 3402.12 | Cationic surfactant | 1.9% |
| 3402.11 | Anionic surfactant | 1.9% |
| 3402.13 | Non-ionic surfactant | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3402.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.70 per kg, close to the world average of $1.88.
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 detergent imports (HS 3402): 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 3402: Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401.
Common questions
What is the value of detergent imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported detergent worth $134.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 79.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply detergent to the DR Congo?
Zambia was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($68.2 million), followed by China (14%) and South Africa (11%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 561% on the year.
What is the average import price of detergent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.70 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $1.88 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of detergent to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.3 million in 2017 to $134.7 million in 2024, an increase of 345%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $86.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for detergent?
The HS code for detergent is heading 3402. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 3402.20 (61% of the value) and 3402.90 (21%).
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
Detergent product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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