International markets are expected to see an increase in the main agricultural and forestry products exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the week of August 21 to 26, 2023, according to projections by the National Commission for Mercurial Prices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Robusta coffee should register a slight increase this week, reaching 2.56 USD per Kg, against 2.53 USD per Kg the previous week. This increase of 0.03 USD could be explained by a growing demand on the international market.
Cinchona bark, meanwhile, will also experience a slight increase, rising from 1.87 euro per kg to 1.88 euro per kg. this product.
Papain, another flagship Congolese export product, will also experience a price increase this week, from 16 euros per kg to 16.17 euros per kg. An increase of 0.17 euros which could be explained by a increasing demand in the pharmaceutical industry.
Totaquina powder, used in the cosmetics industry, should also see an increase in its price, from 54.60 euros per kg to 55.20 euros per kg, an increase of 0.6 euros.
Quinine salt, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of medicines, will also register a price increase this week, from 92.82 euros per Kg to 93.84 euros per Kg. An increase of 1.02 euros which could reflect a sustained demand on the international market.
On the other hand, Arabica coffee and cocoa will experience a price drop this week. Arabica coffee would go from 2.67 USD per Kg to 2.60 USD per Kg, a drop of 0.07 USD. As for cocoa, its price would drop from 1.93 USD per Kg to 1.90 USD per Kg, a drop of 0.03 USD.
These price fluctuations on international markets are influenced by several factors such as supply and demand, climatic conditions, as well as the economic policies of importing countries.
It is important to note that these projections are subject to variations and that actual prices may differ from forecasts. Congolese exporters must therefore be vigilant and responsive to market developments to maximize their profits.
In conclusion, the main agricultural and forestry products exported from the DRC are expected to experience price fluctuations on international markets during the coming week. Price increases seen in some products reflect growing demand, while price decreases can be attributed to various economic and climatic factors