China-Dem. Rep. of the Congo Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $18.74B total volume •China deficit: $9.77B
China → Dem. Rep. of the Congo
$4.49B
Exports (2023)
Dem. Rep. of the Congo → China
$14.25B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$9.77B
Deficit for China
Total Trade
$18.74B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between China and Dem. Rep. of the Congo. Green line shows exports from China, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the China-Dem. Rep. of the Congo commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
China → Dem. Rep. of the Congo Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
China's export portfolio to Dem. Rep. of the Congo demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Dem. Rep. of the Congo → China Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
China's import pattern from Dem. Rep. of the Congo reveals significant dependencyin copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
China demonstrates competitive strength in exportingiron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 to Dem. Rep. of the Congo, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $18.74B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: China-Dem. Rep. of the Congo Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $18.74 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: China maintains a deficit of $9.77 billion
- Export Focus: China's primary exports include iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308, vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1, machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for forming foundry moulds of sand: parts
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Dem. Rep. of the Congo include copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes, cobalt: mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders, copper ores and concentrates
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents a significant global trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $18.74B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with China leveraging its comparative advantages in iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
China's specialization in iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308complements Dem. Rep. of the Congo's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $18.74B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $18.74B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $18.74 billion bilateral trade volume represents a significant economic factorfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 and copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
China's trade deficit of $9.77 billion impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between China and Dem. Rep. of the Congo represents a total trade volume of $18.74 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for China, with imports exceeding exportsby $9.77 billion.
Export Strengths
China's exports to Dem. Rep. of the Congo total $4.49 billion, with competitive advantages in iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308, representing $139.33M or3.1% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Dem. Rep. of the Congo amount to $14.25 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes, with Copper: refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes comprising51.9% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates China's strategic sourcing from Dem. Rep. of the Congo. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between China and Dem. Rep. of the Congo in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023