DRC to Export 100,000 Tonnes of Copper to the United States in Strategic Trade Shift
DRC Confirms 100,000-Tonne Copper Export to U.S., Signalling New Investment and Trade Strategy
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed plans to export 100,000 metric tonnes of copper to the United States by the end of January, marking a significant shift in the country’s minerals trade strategy and a deepening of economic ties with Washington.
The shipment follows the DRC government’s submission to U.S. authorities of a list of state-backed mining projects for potential American investment.
The move underscores Kinshasa’s intention to leverage its vast mineral resources to attract diversified foreign investment, while strengthening economic cooperation and supporting broader regional stability objectives.
Tenke Fungurume at the Centre of the Export
The copper will be sourced from the Tenke Fungurume Mine, located near Kolwezi in Lualaba province in southern DRC. The mine is operated by China’s CMOC Group in partnership with state-owned Gécamines, with CMOC holding an 80% controlling stake since 2016.
Tenke Fungurume is one of the world’s largest copper and cobalt operations and has benefited from an estimated $2.5 billion in investment.
In recent years, the mine has delivered strong output and revenue, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the Congolese mining sector.
As part of efforts to strengthen oversight and assert greater national control over strategic minerals, Congolese authorities recently introduced measures affecting cobalt exports.
During this period, production continued and material was stockpiled, contributing to tighter global supply conditions and a subsequent rebound in cobalt prices.
Strengthening State Participation
To enhance state participation in mineral marketing and improve access to international markets, the DRC has established Gécamines Trading, a dedicated subsidiary tasked with acquiring and commercialising minerals from state-backed operations.
The initiative is designed to improve revenue transparency, strengthen pricing power and reinforce the country’s sovereignty over its mineral resources.
Authorities say the structure will allow the state to engage more directly with global buyers, including those in the United States.
U.S.–DRC Trade Reaches New Highs
Trade between the DRC and the United States has expanded rapidly. Exports to the U.S. reached $1.3 billion in the first seven months of 2025 alone, surpassing the cumulative total recorded over the previous seven years.
While Congolese copper has historically represented a small share of U.S. imports, the upcoming shipment reflects a strategic realignment as the United States seeks to diversify supply chains and increase engagement with mineral-rich African countries.
A Strategic Turning Point
Under an agreement reached in 2023, the Congolese state holds a 20% stake in the Tenke Fungurume operation through Gécamines, granting it proportional rights to production and the ability to market its share internationally.
Officials view the copper export to the United States as a milestone in repositioning the DRC within global critical minerals markets.
By broadening its partnerships beyond traditional buyers, the country aims to maximise the value of its resources while reinforcing its role as a key supplier in the global energy and industrial transition.
