Coffee, husks, skins and substitutes market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

Coffee production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo showed consistent growth from 51 485 t in 2018 to 62 405 t in 2023. This expansion was supported by earlier foundational investments, such as the $20 million commitment by Nestlé and partners in the Kivu region, which helped revitalize the sector. The establishment of new agricultural cooperatives in the Ubangi provinces in 2021 further strengthened local farmer organization and output capacity, contributing to the upward trend in production volumes.

A significant boost came in 2022 with the inauguration of the modern 'La Kinoise' processing plant in Kinshasa, marking the entry of a major domestic brand and increasing local value addition. International recognition for the exceptional quality and distinctive aroma of Congolese coffee reinforced export opportunities, with shipments recovering to 7 898 t in 2023 after a dip. The creation of Special Economic Zones dedicated to agricultural processing also aimed to enhance the supply chain for coffee and related products.

While security challenges in the eastern Kivu provinces posed ongoing risks to production, the market volume reached a peak of 55 290 t in 2022 before moderating to 54 713 t in 2023 as exports increased. By 2024, the sector faced a new regulatory horizon as the European Union decided to withdraw Congolese coffee from its market starting in 2025 due to deforestation-free regulations, introducing future uncertainty for exporters.

Production coffee, husks, skins and substitutes in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 23rd globally in production volume for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, establishing itself as one of the world's leading producers in this category.

Top producers of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

Coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 53 303 tonnes, a slight increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 32.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes output in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was 72 351 thousand US dollars, up 12.2% from a year earlier. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 64 469 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 74 269 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was in 2019, with a decline of 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes exports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo totaled 12 624 tonnes, a 7.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 16.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The largest decrease was in 2019 at 5.2%, while the biggest rise was in 2018 at 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland were the top destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 20.2%, 17.8%, and 16.5% of the total, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 54.5% of all export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes exports rebounded in 2020, reaching 17 135 thousand US dollars—a strong increase of 19.8% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 12.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 307 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 19.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy formed the core markets for exports in value terms, with shares of 21.6%, 17.6%, and 15.4%, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 54.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, imports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes into the Democratic Republic of the Congo amounted to 90 tonnes, down 9.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 57.4%, with an average annual decline of 24.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 73 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 65.6%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 36.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Belgium, and Lebanon were the key partners for imports in kind, representing 37.8%, 17.6%, and 12.2% of the total, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 67.6% of all import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years, with a threefold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2020, imports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes into the Democratic Republic of the Congo were valued at 297 thousand US dollars, a 29.1% increase from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018 at 99 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 65.5%. The most substantial rise was in 2019, with a jump of 133.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, South Africa, and India were the leading sources for imports in value terms, accounting for 24.8%, 16.0%, and 11.7% of the total, respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 52.4% of all import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020