Storage media imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
The DR Congo imported $9.0 million of storage media in 2024 (89 tonnes). Value fell 55% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $20.2 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 | $9.0M | 89 t |
| 2023 | $20.2M | 82 t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 94 t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 72 t |
| 2020 | $6.6M | 202 t |
| 2019 | $6.3M | 127 t |
| 2018 | $6.9M | 154 t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 104 t |
Where the DR Congo imports storage media from
China alone supplied 56% of it. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+159% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.0M | 56% |
| India | $1.8M | 21% |
| France | $993K | 11% |
| South Africa | $464K | 5.2% |
| Germany | $212K | 2.4% |
| Hong Kong | $93K | 1% |
| Morocco | $91K | 1% |
| Italy | $59K | 0.7% |
| Belgium | $57K | 0.6% |
| Egypt | $27K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 8523
| 8523.52 | Smart cards | 87% |
| 8523.51 | Solid-state storage devices | 5.5% |
| 8523.49 | Recorded optical discs | 2.7% |
| 8523.59 | Semiconductor storage media (other) | 2.5% |
| 8523.80 | Storage media (other) | 2.3% |
| 8523.21 | Magnetic stripe cards | 0.4% |
| 8523.41 | Blank optical discs | 0% |
| 8523.29 | Magnetic tape media | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8523.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $100.55 per kg, 47% below the world average of $190.33, 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 storage media imports (HS 8523): 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 8523: Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, smart cards and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Common questions
What is the value of storage media imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported storage media worth $9.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 89 tonnes. That ranks it 116th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 55% on 2023.
Which countries supply storage media to the DR Congo?
China was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by India (20%) and France (11%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 257% on the year.
What is the average import price of storage media per kg?
The average declared import value was about $100.55 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $190.33 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of storage media to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $9.0 million in 2024, an increase of 103%. The peak was 2023 at $20.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for storage media?
The HS code for storage media is heading 8523. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 8523.52 (87% of the value) and 8523.51 (5%).
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
Storage media product types in DR Congo
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