Natural latex in primary forms market in Congo

Earlier Report Observations

The Congolese natural latex market experienced a modest contraction from 2 260 t in 2018 to 2 192 t in 2020. This decline coincided with the introduction of a stricter public procurement code in 2020, which imposed rigorous ethical requirements for bidders and likely tempered demand from the public sector.

A reversal began in 2021 as market volume jumped to 2 372 t, supported by the government's stable economic policies and GDP growth, which fostered an environment conducive to industrial development. The upward trajectory continued through 2023, reaching 2 415 t, bolstered by initiatives to promote locally made products at craft fairs and a multi-year economic diversification program focusing on agriculture and forestry.

The establishment of the Congolese Agency for Business Creation in 2018 simplified company formation procedures, potentially encouraging new entrants over the period. Further regulatory refinements to public procurement rules in 2022 and ongoing consumer price monitoring provided a structured framework for market operations.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Congo ranked 29th globally in the production of natural latex in primary forms.

Top producers of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

World map of production of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

Congo's production of natural latex in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2,191 tonnes, marking a 1.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%.

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

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Congo

According to market study data, Congo did not export any natural latex in primary forms between 2017 and 2020.

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Congo

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 19-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Congo imported 952 kg of natural latex in primary forms, representing a 76.2% decline compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4,000 kg, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 976.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon and China accounted for 97.2% of Congo's total imports of natural latex in primary forms by volume. The remaining share was distributed among other countries, each contributing smaller amounts.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports in value terms were lowest in 2018 and highest in 2017, with a 2.8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Congo's imports of natural latex in primary forms amounted to 1,069 US dollars, reflecting a 45.2% drop compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 907 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a decrease of 63.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a growth of 115.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Lebanon, France, and China were the main sources of Congo's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms. Lebanon accounted for 34.7% of imports, France for 28.3%, and China for 26.4%. Together, these three countries represented 89.3% of total import flows.

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

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