DRC-China: $19.2 billion in trade in seven months, Beijing aims to expand partnership beyond mining

Trade between the DRC and China exceeded $19.2 billion from January to July 2026, with the DRC recording a trade surplus of nearly $10.6 billion. China aims to diversify its economic cooperation with the DRC by focusing on agriculture, health, infrastructure, and technology sectors. It also encourages the DRC to boost exports to China, facilitated by the removal of tariffs for several African countries. The local processing of minerals remains a key focus in the upcoming phase of partnership.