Big news! my country implements zero tariffs on 100% of products from the Republic of Congo! A complete guide to market development in the Republic of Congo!

On November 4, 2025, China and the Republic of Congo signed the "Arrangement on Early Harvests of the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Common Development," under which China implements "zero tariffs on 100% of Congolese products ," and the Congolese side also pledged to further open its market (as reported by Chinese media and announcements). This arrangement is likely to significantly impact bilateral trade flows and market development costs. Recommended reading: Don't miss it: Exploring the export potential and hot product choices for B2B trade in the African market in 2025!

Is the Congo (Brazzaville) market "worth it"?

• Conclusion : Selective development is worthwhile —especially in categories such as upstream resources/energy and related industries, infrastructure/engineering materials, agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), building materials, auto and machinery parts, pharmaceuticals/medical consumables, mobile communications, and home appliances. Reasons: The Republic of Congo is an oil-producing country and a port hub (Pointe-Noire), with stable demand for foreign equipment, engineering materials, and consumer goods; China's zero-tariff policy will significantly lower price barriers and competition barriers.

• Risk factors include : relatively small market size (population and purchasing power lower than major West African/South African countries), high foreign exchange and payment risks, bureaucratic and corruption risks, high infrastructure and inland logistics costs, and political/sovereignty risks (long-term stability is subject to oil prices and fiscal conditions). It is essential to adopt a phased testing approach, a combination of T/T and letter of credit, begin with small-batch sample orders, and find reliable local agents or distributors.

II. Why is there an opportunity to develop now (policy/structural advantages)?

1. China has implemented a "100% zero tariff" policy on tariff lines for the Republic of Congo , directly reducing tariff costs and enhancing price competitiveness (a short-term benefit, especially for manufactured/consumer goods). This is the first "early harvest" arrangement between China and an African country, and it has a demonstrative effect.

2. Port and logistics upgrades : Pointe-Noire (near Brazzaville) is the country's main port. In recent years, port and terminal investments have increased, and shipping accessibility has improved (international liner and container hub capabilities have been enhanced), which is conducive to the entry of full container load (FCL)/less than container load (LCL) shipping.

3. Economic structure : Despite reliance on oil, the government emphasizes diversification (agriculture, gas/natural gas and manufacturing/processing investment) in 2024–2025, with rising demand for imports of agricultural machinery, building materials and consumer goods in the medium to long term.

III. Market Size and Trade Overview

• Trade and Scale (Key Points) : The Republic of Congo is primarily an energy exporter (oil, natural gas, and minerals); imports are mainly concentrated in "manufactured goods, machinery/transport equipment, consumer goods, and food." Official/third-party databases (WITS, World Bank, TradingEconomics, OEC) show that the country's import volume fluctuates but overall it shows a clear dependence on manufactured goods and transportation equipment.

IV. Top-selling categories and popular items most worth promoting/testing (practical priority)

Selection Principles: Inelastic local demand × China's supply advantages (price/capacity) × Zero tariffs directly amplify price advantages

1. Engineering and infrastructure materials (priority ★★★★★)

   • Cement, steel profiles (rebar, I-beams), pipes (for water supply, drainage, and gas), concrete machinery parts, scaffolding, and rebar joints. —Reason: Year-round demand from infrastructure and oilfield supporting projects.

2. Oil/Oilfield Supporting Equipment and Materials (★★★★)

   • Pipeline fittings, valves, pumps, motors, generator sets, compressors, and marine engineering materials (if qualifications and certifications can be obtained).

3. Agricultural machinery and agricultural supplies (★★★★)

   • Small tractors, tillage machines, irrigation equipment, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural films (the government encourages localization of agriculture).

4. Vehicles and Auto Parts / Used Car Market (★★★★)

   • Light trucks, pickup trucks, passenger cars, and replacement parts (filters, brake pads, transmission components). (Imported replacement parts have high profit margins and fast turnover.)

5. Home appliances and mobile phones/communication devices (★★★)

   • Budget smartphones, solid-state TVs, and solar-powered home kits (very popular when power is unstable).

6. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Consumables (★★★)

   • Basic medicines (over-the-counter commonly used medicines) and medical consumables (disposable gloves, syringes, disinfectants) – have long-term demand in the context of post-pandemic needs and strengthened healthcare systems.

7. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food processing ingredients (★★★)

   • Edible oil, canned food, packaged food, beverages, and daily chemical products (laundry detergent, soap) – growing brand awareness and zero tariffs facilitate price competition.

8. Solar energy/small-scale power generation and batteries (★★★)

   • Home solar panels, inverters, and portable energy storage devices (alternatives for areas with poor power coverage).

9. Small building materials & bathroom fixtures (★★)

   • Tiles, sanitary ware, faucets, door and window hardware, etc., targeting the urbanization and renovation market.

10. Light industrial finished products/textiles and apparel (★★)

    • Low- to mid-range clothing and footwear are suitable for trying out e-commerce.

Practical advice : First, conduct market testing with small batches (1–5 ocean freight cubic meters / 1–3 30-foot containers). Verify the sales path by sending samples to local distributors or displaying them in local small stores. Then, quote prices for large orders to major clients (engineering companies, oilfield service companies, government tenders).

V. Entering the Mode (3 Practical Routes)

1. Agency + Distributor (Recommended as the first choice)

   • Find a local master distributor/retailer (Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire) and sign an exclusive or non-exclusive agency agreement. The distributor will handle customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution for you. Advantages: fast, compliant, and low cost.

2. Direct supply to project/engineering contractors (B2B direct supply)

   • We connect with oilfield contractors and engineering companies (providing samples and compliance documents during the project bidding period). Orders are usually large, but payment terms are more stringent (LC may be required).

3. E-commerce + social media trial (C-end)

   • Sell ​​small fast-moving consumer goods, home appliances, and mobile phones through mainstream African e-commerce platforms or social media (Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and countries covered by Jumia). Note: Local e-commerce in the Republic of Congo is still relatively underdeveloped; it needs to be combined with an offline delivery network.

VI. Channels for developing local customers (including website addresses):

A. Cross-border B2B and wholesale platforms (internationally applicable)

1. Alibaba (Alibaba.com.cn) — https://www.alibaba.com/

2. Global Sources — https://www.globalsources.com/

3. Made-in-China — https://www.made-in-china.com/

4. Tradekey — https://www.tradekey.com/

5. ExportHub — https://www.exporthub.com/

B. African/local e-commerce and marketplace platforms (can test the waters with C-end customers or seek partnerships with local retailers)

6. Jumia Group (Pan-African e-commerce platform / Contact their regional business team) — https://group.jumia.com/ (Note: Jumia has local sites in many countries. You need to consult with them about the countries they cover and whether they can be launched in the Republic of Congo.)

7. Africa Yellow Pages / Africa Business Directory — https://africayellowpagesonline.com/

8. B2BMap/Congo companies directory — https://b2bmap.com/congo/companies

9. Africa Business / Congo importers directory — https://importers.africa-business.com/congo_importers_directory.html

C. Local/Official Agencies (Key: Finding Agents, Bidding, Obtaining Compliance Information)

10. Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN, the main port of the Congo) — https://papn-cg.org/ (Used to query port operations, voyages and local logistics contacts).

11. Brazzaville Chamber of Commerce (CCIAM) — (Information Page) https://www.developmentaid.org/organizations/view/559663/chambre-de-commerce-de-brazzaville-brazzaville-chamber-of-commerce ; or their Facebook/contact page : https://www.facebook.com/cciam.brazzaville/ .

12. Republic of the Congo — World Bank page (Country Profiles & Projects) — https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/congo/overview Used for macro-level and project opportunity inquiries.

D. Logistics/Liner Shipping/Freight Forwarding (for easier quotation and coordination)

13. APM Terminals — Pointe-Noire (Terminal Operator/Port Information) — https://www.apmterminals.com/en/pointe-noire Used to check terminal capacity and connections to hubs. APM Terminals

14. CMA CGM (Liner Shipping) — https://www.cma-cgm.com/ (Liner and Project Transportation)

15. Maersk (liner shipping/logistics) — https://www.maersk.com/

16. Local/Pan-African Freight Forwarders/Customs Brokers (Sample) Trademo / Importers lists — https://www.trademo.com/republic-of-the-congo/buyers/list/5

E. Data and Due Diligence Tools (Required)

17. WITS / World Bank Trade Profile (Import & Export Customs Data) — https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/COG .

18. ITC Trade Map (Trade Flows and Product Categories) — https://www.trademap.org/ (Register to view detailed HS data).

19. OEC World Economic Map (Country Import/Export Structure) — https://oec.world/en/profile/country/cog .

20. African Customs Data Inquiry (Import and Export Data) — https://www.cnabke.com/customsData.html

F. Social Media/Professional Social Networking (Efficient Customer Acquisition)

21. LinkedIn (for connecting engineering, procurement buyers, and oil and gas companies) — https://www.linkedin.com/ (Search for companies and project managers related to "Republic of Congo procurement" / "Pointe-Noire")

22. Facebook (Local marketplace/trading group/business page) — https://www.facebook.com/ (Businesses and local chambers of commerce in the Republic of Congo frequently use Facebook to post procurement/tender information.)

23. WhatsApp (Business communication and repair services, after-sales service) — (No public webpage; commonly used by businesses for quick one-on-one communication)

Note : Some website information in the "Local Directory/Platform" listed above needs to be manually verified (by phone/email/in-person testing), and due diligence on the company's qualifications and trade history should be conducted before integration (WITS/ITC data and bank credit letters can be used).

VII. Specific Development Steps (A Complete Checklist of Steps 1-8)

1. Target product identification → Sample package/quotation (including FOB, CIF Pointe-Noire prices) .

2. Data and Due Diligence : Use WITS/ITC/COMTRADE to check the HS's import volume and major supplier countries in the Republic of Congo over the past three years to confirm whether it has "zero tariff" coverage (and prepare the certificate of origin).

3. Find 2–3 local agents/freight forwarders (through PAPN port directory, chamber of commerce or B2B catalog) and discuss sample warehousing, customs clearance and return terms .

4. Start with small orders (samples/initial replenishment) + 30% T/T prepayment/70% prepayment before shipment or irrevocable letter of credit (LC) . Avoid "account-holding" payments.

5. Logistics and Documentation : Ensure the availability of commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (CO), contracts, insurance, inspection certificates (if required), and any necessary health/building material certifications from the Republic of Congo. Confirm with the freight forwarder quay fees, port charges, and customs clearance time.

6. Marketing : For B2B: Send emails and follow up on LinkedIn with engineering companies, oilfield suppliers, and hospital purchasing departments; For C-end: Test small batches of products on Jumia or local Facebook marketplaces.

7. Establish after-sales and spare parts channels : Engineering and mechanical projects must have local spare parts and technical support, otherwise it will be difficult to secure long-term project contracts.

8. Compliance and Contract Terms : The contract should specify the place of arbitration (it is usually recommended to use a third party such as Hong Kong/Singapore for arbitration), the period for claims regarding the quality of goods, the definition of force majeure, and the interest rate for overdue payments.

VIII. Pricing and Pricing Strategies (Practical Advice)

• Utilize the zero-tariff window : Convert part or all of the "space" from tariff reductions into a price advantage for buyers (such as a 4-8% reduction in FOB price) for sampling and initial order closing.

• High freight and inland distribution costs : Inland freight, taxes, and warehousing costs account for a high proportion of costs in the Republic of Congo. When quoting prices, be sure to clearly list the cost differences between CIF and DDP.

• Small-batch, high-price trial : Initially test market response with small batches to avoid large-scale inventory buildup. Engineering projects may be offered with construction loans or installment plans, but require an LC or bank guarantee.

IX. Local Customer Development Scripts and Email Templates

Brief example (Foreign trade representative to Congolese purchasing manager):

Subject: Sample + CIF Pointe-Noire Quotation | [Product Name] — Made in China, Enjoying the Zero-Tariff Advantage Between China and the Congo

Key points of the main text (Chinese/French):

• Self-introduction (company + production capacity + success stories).

• "We have noticed that the Republic of Congo is expanding/tendering (or citing project name) and recommends [products] that can be supplied immediately. We are currently offering CIF Pointe-Noire quotes with support for 30% prepayment/70% prepayment/LC."

• Appendix: Product specifications, certifications, packing list sample, FOB/CIF/EXW three-tier pricing and minimum order quantity (MOQ).

• Request the following for the next steps: sample mailing address and acceptable payment methods; suggested follow-up time via phone/WhatsApp (please provide international country code +242).

10. Compliance and Customs Clearance Notes (Please remember these)

• Certificate of Origin (CO) : Use a certificate of origin issued by Chinese customs to enjoy zero tariffs; keep invoices, packing lists, and production records available for inspection.

• Quarantine and Standards : Food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc. require local health/quality inspection permits; for machinery, electrical safety or pressure vessel certifications are required and should be confirmed in advance.

• Local taxes and administrative procedures : Although China has relaxed restrictions on Congolese goods entering China, you still need to confirm whether Congo (Brazzaville) levies internal taxes/value-added tax or special licensing fees on certain types of goods at the import stage. Use a local customs broker to verify this.

XI. Recommended "First Order Strategy" (Example)

Target product categories : small solar home kits (with rechargeable light and small battery) or budget smartphones – due to their wide demand, small size, high profit margins, and suitability for both e-commerce and offline distribution channels.

• MOQ: 200–500 units/sets (depending on volume and shipping costs)

• Pricing strategy: CIF Pointe-Noire quote + 30% prepayment

• Channels: Purchase through Jumia or local import stores + negotiate after-sales support with 2 local retail/repair chains.

• Risk control: Produce sample packages first (including 10 sample units), confirm the warranty and local repair points, and then proceed with bulk production.

12. Common Objections and Standard Responses (Quick Reference for Business Scripts)

• Buyers say "We are not familiar with your company" → Provide company registration, major clients, letters of credit/bank credit information, and at least 2 overseas reference clients (including contact information).

• Buyers are concerned about payment security → We recommend using revocable letters of credit, placing small orders first and then increasing them, or using Alibaba/third-party platform escrow services.

• Buyers require local warehousing and after-sales service → It is recommended to cooperate with local agents and clearly define the repair response time and cost sharing in the contract.

XIII. Conclusion – Priority Action List

1. Check the import volume of the target HS in the Republic of Congo over the past three years on WITS / ITC / TradeMap (to confirm market size).

2. Select 1-2 "sample products" from the above best-selling categories, and prepare sample packages and CIF quotes.

3. Use the platforms mentioned above (Alibaba, GlobalSources, Jumia group, B2B catalog) to simultaneously place orders and start sending out samples.

4. Contact two Congolese (Brazzaville) freight forwarders and PAPN (Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire) to confirm the port arrival and customs clearance procedures.

5. Establish initial contact with the Brazzaville Chamber of Commerce (CCI) to schedule online referrals or attend local trade shows.

6. Set a "trial budget": sample + first-shipment test funds (including freight/customs duties/customs declaration/local delivery), and set KPIs (trial order conversion rate/30-day payment collection rate).

7. Record and check all compliance documents (CO, inspection certificate, contract arbitration clause, etc.).