Palm oil and fractions market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

The palm oil market in the DRC experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. A renewed state focus on perennial crops, including oil palm, supported the sector's recovery from historical decline. Market volume rose to 332 K t in 2019 but fell to 313 K t in 2020, a year that saw the entry of new processor CHRISNOVIC. By 2021, the market rebounded to 336 K t, supported by PHC's plans to raise capacity. Subsequently, market size eased to 327 K t in 2022 and stabilized near 321 K t in 2023 amid reports of local production shortages relative to demand.

PHC, the leading producer, actively expanded its operations, announcing a target to increase palm oil output from 48 K t to 60 K t for 2022 and later reporting a more than 30% production rise to 80 K t in 2023. The company also reinforced its international profile through events like PIPOC 2023, collaborating with global bodies to promote sustainable practices and technology transfer.

Despite these developments, the Federation of Enterprises of the Congo highlighted a structural gap, with local production around 150 K t against national consumption of 500 K t, necessitating continued imports. Export volumes grew, reaching 46 K t in 2022, which alongside domestic supply constraints, influenced market availability and contributed to price increases in some regions.

Production palm oil and fractions in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo held the 15th position globally in palm oil and fractions production.

Top producers of palm oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's palm oil and fractions production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 300.0 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 2.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports palm oil and fractions from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, t

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's palm oil and fractions exports fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 217 tonnes, showing a significant 19.7% year-over-year decline. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 463 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 49.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Rwanda was the primary market for exports in kind, accounting for 73.8% of total flows, while the remaining volume was distributed among various other destinations.

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

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, palm oil and fractions deliveries from the Democratic Republic of the Congo amounted to 72 thousand US dollars, down by 86.2% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 524 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 59.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—Rwanda, Angola, and Burundi—dominated exports in value terms, collectively representing 82.1% of total flows.

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 palm oil and fractions to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, palm oil and fractions imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo stood at 16 296 tonnes, a decrease of 61.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 59.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -25.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 044 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 69.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia (51.1% of imports in kind), Indonesia (19.2%), and Uganda (10.3%) formed the main group of sources for palm oil and fractions imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together accounting for 80.6% of total 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

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2020, the peak-to-trough amplitude was 3.3 times. In 2020, palm oil and fractions shipments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from abroad totaled 9 429 thousand US dollars, down by 60.7% from 2019. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 43.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Malaysia (53.9% of imports in value terms), Indonesia (18.8%), and Côte d'Ivoire (11.3%) were the key partners for palm oil and fractions imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in value terms, jointly representing 84.0% of total flows.

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