Pens imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pens by the DR Congo reached $6.6 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 15% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $11.2 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 | $6.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $7.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $11.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2021 | $4.8M | 824 t |
| 2020 | $3.1M | 470 t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 198 t |
| 2018 | $4.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 98 t |
Where the DR Congo imports pens from
The largest suppliers were China (32%), India (24%), Tunisia (19%). Among the main suppliers, Kenya grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
Product types under HS 9608
| 9608.10 | Ballpoint pen | 82% |
| 9608.20 | Marker | 16% |
| 9608.99 | Pen holder | 1.3% |
| 9608.30 | Fountain pen | 0.3% |
| 9608.50 | Pen set | 0.3% |
| 9608.60 | Pen refill | 0.1% |
| 9608.91 | Pen nib | 0.1% |
| 9608.40 | Mechanical pencil | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9608.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.68 per kg, 80% below the world average of $13.28, 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 pens imports (HS 9608): 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 9608: Pens; ball-point, felt tipped, other porous tipped pens; fountain pens, stylograph pens duplicating stylos, propelling or sliding pencils; parts of the foregoing, excluding those of heading no. 9609.
Common questions
What is the value of pens imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported pens worth $6.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 90th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply pens to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by India (24%) and Tunisia (19%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 176% on the year.
What is the average import price of pens per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.68 per kg in 2024, 80% below the world average of $13.28 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of pens to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $6.6 million in 2024, an increase of 149%. The peak was 2022 at $11.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for pens?
The HS code for pens is heading 9608. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 9608.10 (82% of the value) and 9608.20 (16%).
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
Pens product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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