Congo copper exports reach record levels, as sales to the US and Europe double

A report by the official showed that the Democratic Republic of Congo exported a record amount of copper in the first half of 2026. The share of the exports to the United States, Europe, and other countries doubled compared to 2025, as Kinshasa sought to diversify its mineral exports to avoid China.

Congo is the largest cobalt and copper producer in the world. It's also the second-largest copper manufacturer. Chinese companies such as CMOC, Huayou Cobalt, and Zijin are dominant in the sector. The United States and European Union, however, have increased their efforts to secure 'alternative supply chain.

According to the first-half report on mining statistics by the?mines minister, copper exports increased to 1,724,217 tonnes from 1,650,189 tones a year ago. Cobalt exports dropped 6.4% from 43,930 to 41,140 tonnes, due to export quotas set by Kinshasa.

CONGO'S 'DIVERSIFICATION OFFENSIVE'

Since signing a strategic mineral partnership with Washington, D.C. in December 2025 state miner Gecamines used offtake agreements with traders Mercuria, and Glencore, to market its share, which includes copper from major operations linked to China, to alternative markets.

The report stated that the first half of 2026 saw the implementation of export diversification offensive.

Report stated that the share of copper sold to the United States and Europe has doubled since 2025 as Congo sought 'to reduce its dependence on Chinese trading channels and monetise shares in Tenke Fungurume Mining, Kamoto Copper Company and other ventures. The report did not give sales figures.

The Congo's Mines Ministry did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Congo banned the export of cobalt and copper concentrates as well in June, even though first-half copper concentrate exports still totaled 151,202 tonnes, with 50,629 tonnes of copper.

The largest copper concentrate exporters were Eurasian Resources Group, Kinsenda Copper Company owned by the Chinese, Everbright Mining and Sabwe Mining.

The report shows that CMOC's Kisanfu Mine was the leading exporter of cobalt hydrxide with 24,825 tonnes, followed by Glencore's KCC, and ERG Metalkol.

(source: Reuters)