Democratic Republic of the Congo Highlights Record U.S.-DRC Trade Growth Under AGOA

HUNTERSVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, August 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- During the USTR Hearing, the Foreign Trade Ministry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC reaffirmed the transformative impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), highlighting record bilateral trade with the United States and calling for the continuation of the DRC’s eligibility under the program.

According to recently reported trade data provided to the USTR (https://www.regulations.gov/comment/USTR-2026-0298-0028), bilateral trade between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached a historic US$2.15 billion in 2025, compared to US$541 million in 2024—nearly a fourfold increase in just one year. The growth demonstrates that AGOA is successfully advancing its mission of expanding trade and economic partnership between the United States and Africa.

U.S. exports to the DRC totaled US$223.8 million in 2025, while U.S. imports from the DRC reached US$1.93 billion, driven primarily by critical minerals including cobalt and copper. These resources are essential for American manufacturing, electric vehicle production, clean energy technologies, semiconductors, aerospace, and national security supply chains.

The long-term trajectory is equally significant. Following the DRC’s reinstatement into AGOA in December 2020, bilateral trade expanded from US$181.9 million in 2020 to more than US$2.15 billion in 2025, representing nearly US$2 billion in additional trade over five years.

“The results speak for themselves. AGOA is working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The remarkable growth in bilateral trade demonstrates that our partnership delivers tangible economic benefits for both nations while strengthening resilient and secure supply chains for strategic minerals.”

Looking ahead, the Government believes bilateral trade has the potential to exceed US$4.3 billion by 2030, supported by the renewal of AGOA, implementation of the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership signed in December 2025, and continued development of the Lobito Corridor.
Future growth is expected to be driven by:

• Expanded transportation and logistics infrastructure.
• Modernized customs and trade facilitation systems.
• Development of special economic zones.
• Increased U.S. private-sector investment.
• Greater value-added processing of critical minerals within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Government emphasized that its vision extends beyond exporting raw materials. Instead, it seeks to position AGOA as a catalyst for industrialization, manufacturing, local processing, regional value chains, and mutually beneficial investment that creates quality jobs in both Africa and the United States.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo also reaffirmed its commitment to meeting AGOA’s eligibility requirements by continuing reforms that strengthen the rule of law, improve the investment climate, facilitate trade, combat corruption, protect workers’ rights, promote human rights, and foster a transparent market economy that welcomes responsible American investment.

As policymakers consider the future of AGOA, the Government encourages greater emphasis on strategic mineral value chains, regional manufacturing, digital trade, resilient supply chains, and stronger partnerships between American businesses and African entrepreneurs.

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo respectfully requests that the United States reaffirm our country’s eligibility under AGOA,” the Government stated. “ Continued participation will strengthen American supply chains, promote industrial development in the DRC, create quality jobs in both countries, and reinforce one of the most strategic economic partnerships on the African continent.”

About the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s largest economies and is home to some of the world’s most significant reserves of critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. Through economic reforms, strategic partnerships, and sustainable investment, the Government is advancing industrialization, regional integration, and long-term economic growth while strengthening trade and investment relations with the United States.

Ngoie Nshisso
Foreign Trade Ministry / Congo DRC
+1 704-910-7185
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