Soap imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of soap by the DR Congo reached $46.4 million in 2024 (34.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 21% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $46.4M | 34.4K t |
| 2023 | $38.3M | 24.7K t |
| 2022 | $39.9M | 27.4K t |
| 2021 | $37.1M | 37.2K t |
| 2020 | $28.9M | 92.0K t |
| 2019 | $34.3M | 69.0K t |
| 2018 | $34.8M | 41.6K t |
| 2017 | $23.5M | 52.2K t |
Where the DR Congo imports soap from
Most of the value came from Zambia (44%), South Africa (23%), Uganda (13%). Among the main suppliers, Uganda grew fastest (+269% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $20.4M | 44% |
| South Africa | $10.8M | 23% |
| Uganda | $5.9M | 13% |
| Indonesia | $1.9M | 4.1% |
| Angola | $1.5M | 3.2% |
| India | $1.2M | 2.5% |
| Kenya | $852K | 1.8% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $802K | 1.7% |
| Tanzania | $720K | 1.6% |
| France | $694K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 3401
| 3401.20 | Liquid and cream soap | 41% |
| 3401.11 | Toilet bar soap | 36% |
| 3401.19 | Industrial bar soap | 17% |
| 3401.30 | Liquid skin wash | 7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3401.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.35 per kg, 42% below the world average of $2.31, 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 soap imports (HS 3401): 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 3401: Soap; organic surface-active preparations used as soap, skin washing, in bars, cakes, moulded pieces, shapes, liquid or cream, containing soap or not; for retail, paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent.
Common questions
What is the value of soap imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported soap worth $46.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 34.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 66th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply soap to the DR Congo?
Zambia was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($20.4 million), followed by South Africa (23%) and Uganda (13%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 269% on the year.
What is the average import price of soap per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.35 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $2.31 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of soap to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.5 million in 2017 to $46.4 million in 2024, an increase of 98%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $35.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for soap?
The HS code for soap is heading 3401. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 3401.20 (41% of the value) and 3401.11 (36%).
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
Soap product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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