Congo, Democratic Republic of Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Congo, Democratic Republic of's trade balance was $-3.0B in 2025, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 39.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1994–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's trade balance stood at $-3.0B in 2025, a decline of +$842.2M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $-3.0B by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 131st globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s trade balance has shifted from a modest surplus of 159,121,472.38 in 1994 to a persistent deficit, reaching –3,003,344,715.13 in 2025, which places the country at 131st globally. The balance posted its highest positive figure of 287,089,027.27 in 1999, but by 2014 it had plunged to an all‑time low of –3,152,514,205.00, marking the start of a prolonged downturn that has continued despite occasional improvements. Compared with regional peers, the DRC’s deficit in 2025 is slightly narrower than Zimbabwe’s –3,016,334,851.41 but deeper than Tanzania’s –2,940,061,678.99, reflecting similar structural challenges in export diversification and dependence on mineral shipments. The trend suggests that without significant expansion of non‑commodity exports or enhanced value‑added processing, the deficit is likely to remain entrenched, although a sustained rise in global commodity prices could temporarily narrow the gap.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $-4.0B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $-3.5B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $-3.0B | - | - |
| 2025 | $-3.0B | −$842.2M | #131 |
| 2024 | $-2.2B | −$322.8M | #50 |
| 2023 | $-1.8B | +$1.1B | #56 |
| 2022 | $-2.9B | −$3.1B | #56 |
| 2021 | $160.6M | +$785.1M | #110 |
| 2020 | $-624.5M | +$1.2B | #80 |
| 2019 | $-1.9B | −$173.0M | #54 |
| 2018 | $-1.7B | −$285.0M | #60 |
| 2017 | $-1.4B | +$816.9M | #59 |
| 2016 | $-2.2B | +$81.4M | #51 |
| 2015 | $-2.3B | +$846.3M | #60 |
| 2014 | $-3.2B | −$1.7B | #43 |
| 2013 | $-1.5B | +$482.2M | #69 |
| 2012 | $-2.0B | −$383.5M | #63 |
| 2011 | $-1.6B | +$245.3M | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's trade balance was $-3.0B in 2025. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 39.0% decrease from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's trade balance peaked at $287.1M in 1999.
The lowest trade balance in Congo, Democratic Republic of was $-3.2B in 2014.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 131st globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's trade balance is projected to reach $-3.0B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade balance of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was $-3.0B. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_trade-balance,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}