Polyethylene imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo imported polyethylene worth $30.7 million (26.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 7% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% 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 | $30.7M | 26.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.1M | 27.6K t |
| 2022 | $35.8M | 22.5K t |
| 2021 | $27.9M | 17.8K t |
| 2020 | $14.6M | 13.2K t |
| 2019 | $14.6M | 12.1K t |
| 2018 | $12.6M | 11.1K t |
| 2017 | $11.4M | 9.4K t |
Where the DR Congo imports polyethylene from
Most of the value came from China (20%), South Korea (16%), South Africa (16%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+96% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.2M | 20% |
| South Korea | $5.0M | 16% |
| South Africa | $5.0M | 16% |
| United States | $4.9M | 16% |
| Uganda | $3.4M | 11% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.6M | 8.4% |
| Kenya | $793K | 2.6% |
| Germany | $630K | 2.1% |
| India | $548K | 1.8% |
| Angola | $389K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 67% |
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 15% |
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 14% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 2.6% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer | 1.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.18 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
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 polyethylene imports (HS 3901): 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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported polyethylene worth $30.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 26.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 111th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by South Korea (16%) and South Africa (16%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 96% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.18 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.22 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.4 million in 2017 to $30.7 million in 2024, an increase of 169%. The peak was 2022 at $35.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $22.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 3901.20 (67% of the value) and 3901.10 (15%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For the DR Congo, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in DR Congo
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