Congo’s oil surge drives record exports, masking structural fiscal risks

• Oil volumes rise despite weaker global prices
• Record exports highlight dependence on hydrocarbons

BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO – The Republic of Congo posted record exports in late 2025, as rising crude volumes offset falling global oil prices and pushed the trade balance to historic highs.

Goods exports exceeded 1,086.1bn FCFA in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven largely by the oil sector’s resilience, even as Brent crude declined from $86 to $78.30 per barrel over the same period.