Congo: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

The government of Congo's trade policy promotes the creation of a favorable social and economic environment in order to attract international trade.

Customs duties are harmonized by the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (UDEAC) and they are between 5 and 30%. Even though the country has developed straight links on the economic and educational plans with other African countries, the under-development of the Congolese financial sector remains a major hindrance to trade. Moreover, insecurity and a weak production discourage foreign trade.

Congo exports more than what it imports which translates into a structural positive trade balance. Even though Congo figures as one of the leaders in oil exports from Africa (after Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea), with the drop in oil prices and the effects of the crisis regarding foreign demand, this surplus has started to decline.

Congo's main trading partners are the United States, the European Union and China.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Imports of Goods (million USD)	2,530	3,050	2,900	2,900	5,100
Exports of Goods (million USD)	5,635	8,300	6,100	8,200	10,800
Imports of Services (million USD)	3,523	3,581	3,396	-	-
Exports of Services (million USD)	303	369	377	-	-
Trade Balance (million USD)	2,950	-	-	-	-
Current Account (million USD)	-2,181	-	-	-	-
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	130	120	123	133	-
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	54	47	51	50	-
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	77	73	72	82	-

Source: WTO - World Trade Organization ; World Bank - Last Available Data.

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Commercial Policy

Main International Economic Cooperation: Member of World Trade Organisation
Member of CEMAC - Central African Economic and Monetary Community

Member of COMESA - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Assessment of Commercial Policy: The assessment of Congo commercial policy
Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products): 18.5 %

List of tariffs and local taxes that apply to your product on our service Customs duties and local taxes

Useful Resources: Customs information page (in French)
National Organization of Intellectual Property: Contact the National Industrial Property Unit by Email.

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