Synthetic tow imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo imported synthetic tow worth $13.4 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 57% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% 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 | $13.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $8.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $7.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 669 t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 699 t |
| 2018 | $3.1M | 698 t |
| 2017 | $3.1M | 771 t |
Where the DR Congo imports synthetic tow from
Japan alone supplied 96% of it. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $12.9M | 96% |
| South Korea | $280K | 2.1% |
| South Africa | $221K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.30 | Acrylic filament tow | 96% |
| 5501.20 | Polyester filament tow | 1.7% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 1.4% |
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow (other) | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.47 per kg, 42% above the world average of $3.14. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
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 synthetic tow imports (HS 5501): 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported synthetic tow worth $13.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 167 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 57% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to the DR Congo?
Japan was the largest supplier with 96% of the value ($12.9 million), followed by South Korea (2%) and South Africa (2%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 238% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.47 per kg in 2024, 42% above the world average of $3.14 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic tow to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.1 million in 2017 to $13.4 million in 2024, an increase of 334%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 5501.30 (96% of the value) and 5501.20 (2%).
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.
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