Congolese Copper Boom in the United States: The Hidden Cost of Washington Agreements

In July 2026, deliveries of copper cathodes from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States reached a record 53,290 metric tons, accounting for 23.9% of U.S. copper imports. This shift is attributed to lower prices, with Congolese copper sold at a discount of $550 to $800 per ton compared to the London Metal Exchange. Concurrently, diplomatic agreements between Kinshasa and Washington, including a strategic partnership signed in December 2025, have strengthened trade relations.