Water-based paint imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of water-based paint by the DR Congo reached $7.5 million in 2024 (5.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 26% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 33% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $10.1 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 | $7.5M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $10.1M | 5.7K t |
| 2022 | $8.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 4.5K t |
| 2020 | $5.1M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.0M | 348 t |
Where the DR Congo imports water-based paint from
The largest suppliers were Kenya (45%), India (17%), Uganda (14%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+301% on the year before).
Product types under HS 3209
| 3209.90 | Water-based polymer paint | 76% |
| 3209.10 | Acrylic water-based paint | 24% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3209.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.42 per kg, 54% below the world average of $3.08, 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 water-based paint imports (HS 3209): 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 3209: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based paint imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported water-based paint worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 103rd of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply water-based paint to the DR Congo?
Kenya was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by India (17%) and Uganda (14%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 301% on the year.
What is the average import price of water-based paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.42 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $3.08 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of water-based paint to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.0 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, an increase of 641%. The peak was 2023 at $10.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based paint?
The HS code for water-based paint is heading 3209. In the DR Congo the largest six-digit codes were 3209.90 (76% of the value) and 3209.10 (24%).
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
Water-based paint product types in DR Congo
More trade data for the DR Congo
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