Palm oil and fractions market in Congo

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the palm oil market in Congo grew from 84.6 thousand tons to 105.7 thousand tons, driven primarily by rising imports. This expansion was supported by government initiatives like the National Development Plan 2018-2022, which promoted palm oil as a key agricultural sector, and the validation of national principles for sustainable production. The increase in cultivated area for oil palm in the Congo Basin also aimed to boost long-term supply, though domestic production remained stable at around 27-28 thousand tons.

Market volume dropped to 80.0 thousand tons in 2021 due to a sharp decline in imports, while production edged up slightly. The market stabilized in 2022 before surging to 130.7 thousand tons in 2023, as imports more than doubled to 103.1 thousand tons. This spike coincided with reports of a structural deficit in the region, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo's consumption was estimated at 500,000 tons against production of only 150,000 tons, increasing demand for imported oil to meet local needs.

In 2024, imports continued to rise, reaching 106.6 thousand tons. Major producer Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) invested in equipment to double plant capacity and installed a biogas plant, aiming to increase output. The DRC's accession to the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries in late 2024 further reinforced efforts to boost production, while global market tensions from El Niño and biofuel policies affected trade dynamics.

Production palm oil and fractions in Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of palm oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In 2019, Congo's production of palm oil and fractions reached its lowest point at 27 004 tons. Production then increased slightly in 2020 to 27 575 tons, representing a modest 2.1% growth compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded earlier, in 2018, at 27 780 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.8%.

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

Exports palm oil and fractions from Congo

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes dropped to their minimum in 2018, then climbed to their maximum in 2017, representing a dramatic 1 382-fold shift between these years. In 2020, Congo's exports of palm oil and fractions amounted to 397 tons, which is 99.9% lower than in 2019.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, Angola and the Central African Republic remained the key partner countries for Congo's exports in kind, together accounting for 94.9% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Export values reached their trough in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a substantial 1 212-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Congo exported palm oil and fractions worth 469 thousand US dollars, down by 99.9% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Central African Republic and Angola together accounted for 94.2% of Congo's total export value for palm oil and fractions. Other countries formed a diversified but less significant portion of the export structure.

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

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

Imports palm oil and fractions to Congo

Imports in kind, t

Congo's imports of palm oil and fractions increased for the second consecutive year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 56 837 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 13.6%. Imports then rose to 78 488 tons in 2020, up by 19.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 19.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Indonesia and Malaysia remained the main suppliers of palm oil and fractions to Congo, together accounting for 91.8% of total imports in kind. The remainder was fragmented across various other countries.

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, K $ US

Congo's imports of palm oil and fractions from abroad increased for the second consecutive year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 41 745 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.6%. In 2020, imports amounted to 58 782 thousand US dollars, representing a 32.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia remained the leading supplier of palm oil and fractions to Congo, accounting for 70.3% of total imports in value terms. The rest was distributed across many other countries.

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

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