DRC Copper Exports Rise to 1.72Mt as Sales to US and Europe Double
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded its highest-ever copper export volume in the first half of 2026, with shipments reaching 1.72 million tonnes as the country increased sales to the United States and Europe.
Copper exports rose to 1.72 million tonnes between January and June, up from 1.65 million tonnes during the same period in 2025, according to first-half statistics from the DRC’s Ministry of Mines.
The increase came as Kinshasa accelerated efforts to diversify its critical-minerals trade beyond China.
The share of copper sales directed to the United States and Europe doubled from 2025 levels, although the ministry did not disclose the actual volumes shipped to the two markets.
The shift followed the DRC’s strategic minerals partnership with the United States signed in December 2025.
State-owned mining company Gécamines has since expanded offtake arrangements with commodities traders Mercuria and Glencore to market its share of copper production from major mining projects, including Chinese-linked operations, to alternative markets.
The DRC remains the world’s largest cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer, with Chinese companies including CMOC, Huayou Cobalt and Zijin maintaining significant interests in its mining sector.
Meanwhile, cobalt exports declined 6.4% year on year to 41,140 tonnes in the first half of 2026, from 43,930 tonnes, following export quotas introduced by the government.
The DRC also banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates in June. Despite the restriction, first-half copper concentrate exports reached 151,202 tonnes containing about 50,629 tonnes of copper.
The latest figures highlight the DRC’s growing role in global copper supply while signalling a gradual expansion of its access to Western markets as Kinshasa seeks to diversify export destinations and strengthen its position in critical-minerals supply chains.
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