Specialized machinery imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo imported specialized machinery worth $58.9 million (6.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $131.1 million.
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 | $58.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $64.8M | 5.0K t |
| 2022 | $131.1M | 19.9K t |
| 2021 | $37.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $40.8M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $54.6M | 3.9K t |
| 2018 | $38.7M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $15.0M | 534 t |
Where the DR Congo imports specialized machinery from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+243% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $30.1M | 51% |
| South Africa | $12.7M | 22% |
| Italy | $5.0M | 8.5% |
| Belgium | $2.7M | 4.7% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 2.2% |
| Malaysia | $1.1M | 1.8% |
| Norway | $755K | 1.3% |
| India | $752K | 1.3% |
| United States | $727K | 1.2% |
| Finland | $643K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 8479
| 8479.89 | Specialized machinery (other types) | 36% |
| 8479.90 | Specialized machinery parts | 20% |
| 8479.82 | Industrial mixing and homogenizing machines | 19% |
| 8479.60 | Evaporative air coolers | 12% |
| 8479.10 | Construction and public works machinery | 5.5% |
| 8479.20 | Oil extraction and pressing machinery | 4.8% |
| 8479.81 | Metal treating and winding machinery | 1.3% |
| 8479.40 | Rope and cable making machines | 1.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8479.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.06 per kg, 51% below the world average of $18.55, 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.
Specialized machinery exports from the DR Congo
Exports of specialized machinery by the DR Congo reached $1.3 million in 2024 (126 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Angola accounted for 89% of the value.
Who is behind these numbers in the DR Congo?
The shipment records behind DR Congo specialized machinery imports (HS 8479): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 8479: Machinery and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized machinery imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported specialized machinery worth $58.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 89th of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialized machinery to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($30.1 million), followed by South Africa (22%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 243% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialized machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.06 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $18.55 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of specialized machinery to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.0 million in 2017 to $58.9 million in 2024, an increase of 292%. The peak was 2022 at $131.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $55.2 million a year.
Does the DR Congo also export specialized machinery?
Yes. The DR Congo exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Angola, Zimbabwe and Costa Rica. On balance the DR Congo is a net importer of this product, by about $57.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialized machinery?
The HS code for specialized machinery is heading 8479. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 8479.89 (36% of the value) and 8479.90 (20%).
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 specialized machinery trade: top importers and exporters
Specialized machinery product types in DR Congo
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