Facial tissues and paper towels imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of facial tissues and paper towels by the DR Congo reached $15.8 million in 2024 (4.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 28% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $22.0 million.
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 | $15.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2023 | $22.0M | 4.1K t |
| 2022 | $11.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $9.5M | 3.4K t |
| 2020 | $5.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $6.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 1.9K t |
Where the DR Congo imports facial tissues and paper towels from
One supplier dominates: Belgium accounted for 79% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $12.4M | 79% |
| China | $2.6M | 16% |
| Turkey | $402K | 2.6% |
| France | $174K | 1.1% |
| South Africa | $78K | 0.5% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $33K | 0.2% |
| Egypt | $25K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $25K | 0.2% |
| Angola | $15K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $12K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.56 per kg, 55% above the world average of $2.29. 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 facial tissues and paper towels imports (HS 4818.20): 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 4818.20: Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels.
Common questions
What is the value of facial tissues and paper towels imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported facial tissues and paper towels worth $15.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply facial tissues and paper towels to the DR Congo?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 79% of the value ($12.4 million), followed by China (16%) and Turkey (3%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 775% on the year.
What is the average import price of facial tissues and paper towels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.56 per kg in 2024, 55% above the world average of $2.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of facial tissues and paper towels to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $15.8 million in 2024, an increase of 237%. The peak was 2023 at $22.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for facial tissues and paper towels?
The HS code for facial tissues and paper towels is subheading 4818.20. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4818 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
World facial tissues and paper towels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the DR Congo
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.