Democratic Republic of Congo

The trade relationship between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC) is bolstered through the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two countries.

U.S.-Democratic Republic of Congo Trade Facts

DROC is currently the United States' 125th largest goods trading partner with $397 million in total (two way) goods trade during 2008.

DROC is eligible for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  In 2008 U.S. imports from DROC under AGOA and the Generalized System of Preferences were valued at over $65.6 million, which mostly consisted of mineral fuels and oil, resins, and precious stones and jewelry.

Exports

US goods exports totaled $130 million in 2008.  Exports largely consisted of machinery, cereals, vehicles, textiles, and fats and oils.

Imports

US goods imports totaled $266 million in 2008.  Imports largely consisted of precious stones and jewelry, mineral fuels and oil, wood articles, art and antiques, and milled products.

Investment

The stock of U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in DROC was unknown in 2007 (latest data available), but was $21 million in 2006.

Democratic Republic of Congo is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the largest regional economic organization in Africa. COMESA has 19 member states and a population of about 390 million.