Toilet paper and tissues imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo imported toilet paper and tissues worth $23.0 million (7.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 21% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $29.1 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 | $23.0M | 7.4K t |
| 2023 | $29.1M | 6.8K t |
| 2022 | $17.4M | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $14.9M | 6.1K t |
| 2020 | $11.7M | 5.2K t |
| 2019 | $12.8M | 5.0K t |
| 2018 | $9.3M | 4.2K t |
| 2017 | $8.9M | 3.5K t |
Where the DR Congo imports toilet paper and tissues from
One supplier dominates: Belgium accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $13.9M | 60% |
| China | $6.2M | 27% |
| South Africa | $716K | 3.1% |
| Turkey | $486K | 2.1% |
| Zambia | $445K | 1.9% |
| France | $296K | 1.3% |
| Angola | $269K | 1.2% |
| Kenya | $211K | 0.9% |
| India | $208K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $70K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 4818
| 4818.20 | Facial tissues and paper towels | 69% |
| 4818.10 | Toilet paper | 26% |
| 4818.30 | Paper tablecloths and napkins | 3.5% |
| 4818.90 | Paper and cellulose articles (other) | 2.1% |
| 4818.50 | Paper clothing and accessories | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4818.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.10 per kg, 30% above the world average of $2.39. 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 toilet paper and tissues imports (HS 4818): 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 4818: Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper and tissues imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported toilet paper and tissues worth $23.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 73rd of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply toilet paper and tissues to the DR Congo?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($13.9 million), followed by China (27%) and South Africa (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 369% on the year.
What is the average import price of toilet paper and tissues per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.10 per kg in 2024, 30% above the world average of $2.39 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of toilet paper and tissues to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.9 million in 2017 to $23.0 million in 2024, an increase of 160%. The peak was 2023 at $29.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper and tissues?
The HS code for toilet paper and tissues is heading 4818. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 4818.20 (69% of the value) and 4818.10 (26%).
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
World toilet paper and tissues trade: top importers and exporters
Toilet paper and tissues product types in DR Congo
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