Water-based polymer paint imports in the DR Congo: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the DR Congo imported water-based polymer paint worth $5.7 million (3.8 thousand tonnes). That is 29% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 34% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $8.0 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 | $5.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2023 | $8.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $4.4M | 3.1K t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 3.4K t |
| 2019 | $3.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $1.8M | 771 t |
| 2017 | $730K | 224 t |
Where the DR Congo imports water-based polymer paint from
One supplier dominates: Kenya accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+248% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.52 per kg, 60% below the world average of $3.79, 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 polymer paint imports (HS 3209.90): 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 3209.90: Paints and varnishes: (based on polymers other than acrylic or vinyl), dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based polymer paint imported by the DR Congo?
The DR Congo imported water-based polymer paint worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 72nd of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply water-based polymer paint to the DR Congo?
Kenya was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Uganda (18%) and South Africa (11%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 248% on the year.
What is the average import price of water-based polymer paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.52 per kg in 2024, 60% below the world average of $3.79 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of water-based polymer paint to the DR Congo changed since 2017?
Imports went from $730 thousand in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, an increase of 682%. The peak was 2023 at $8.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based polymer paint?
The HS code for water-based polymer paint is subheading 3209.90. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3209 page.
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 water-based polymer paint trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the DR Congo
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