Ink imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ink by the DR Congo reached $4.3 million in 2024 (449 tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% 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 | $4.3M | 449 t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 352 t |
| 2022 | $2.7M | 258 t |
| 2021 | $2.2M | 224 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 170 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 227 t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 168 t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 123 t |
Where the DR Congo imports ink from
The largest suppliers were Belgium (31%), India (26%), Switzerland (17%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+738% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $1.3M | 31% |
| India | $1.1M | 26% |
| Switzerland | $721K | 17% |
| South Africa | $450K | 11% |
| China | $160K | 3.8% |
| Taiwan | $130K | 3.1% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $85K | 2% |
| United Kingdom | $82K | 1.9% |
| France | $74K | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $58K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 3215
| 3215.19 | Colored printing ink | 50% |
| 3215.90 | Writing and drawing ink | 26% |
| 3215.11 | Black printing ink | 24% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.50 per kg, 28% below the world average of $13.13, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
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 ink imports (HS 3215): 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 3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of ink imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported ink worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 449 tonnes. That ranks it 110th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply ink to the DR Congo?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by India (26%) and Switzerland (17%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 738% on the year.
What is the average import price of ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.50 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $13.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of ink to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, an increase of 238%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for ink?
The HS code for ink is heading 3215. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 3215.19 (50% of the value) and 3215.90 (26%).
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
Ink product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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