Congo, republic of the Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in congo, republic of the, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Market Overview
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The Republic of the Congo possesses natural riches in abundance and the economy relies on the export of natural resources.  Oil exports account for 55 percent of gross domestic product, 85 percent of export value, and 80 percent of government revenue. 

To reduce dependency on the oil sector, the government seeks to attract foreign investors in the forestry, agriculture, construction, ecotourism, transport, mining, and information technology services sectors.  Increasing production of natural gas for export and the conversion of natural gas to electricity could improve investment prospects in the energy sector as well. 

Investing in the Republic of the Congo can be challenging, but the country also offers enormous potential due to its strategic location and natural advantages. Thousands of Congolese products can be exported to the United States duty-free.

  1. The Republic of the Congo offers access to relatively modern, internationally certified airports and a deepwater seaport.
  2. A focus on the oil sector provides opportunities  for investment and for quality U.S. exports in other sectors.
  3. The Republic of the Congo’s currency, the Central African Franc, is pegged to the Euro and is stable.

The World Bank estimates the Republic of the Congo’s 2021 exports at $2.36 billion and imports of $2.35 billion.  The Republic of the Congo’s largest trading partners include France, China, the United States, and Italy.  China is the largest exporter to the Republic of the Congo.  China and the United States are the largest importers of Congolese goods, mostly petroleum products. 

U.S. goods exports to Congo (Brazzaville) in 2022 were $180 million, up 58.2 percent ($66 million) from 2021 but down 24 percent from 2012. U.S. goods imports from Congo (Brazzaville) totaled $144 million in 2022, up 176.1 percent ($92 million) from 2021, but down 90 percent from 2012.  The U.S. goods trade surplus with Congo (Brazzaville) was $36 million in 2022, a 41.5 percent decrease ($26 million) over 2021.

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Congo (Brazzaville) (stock) was $135 million in 2022, a 6.3 percent increase from 2021.

The Republic of the Congo is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Centrale, CEMAC), and the Bank of Central African States (Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, BEAC).

Political Environment

Visit State Department’s website for background on the country’s political and economic environment.

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/republic-of-the-congo/

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