The gap between Rwanda’s imports and exports narrowed by 5.13% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to a report released on Thursday by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The report shows that the total value of goods traded by Rwanda between January and March 2026 stood at $1.89291 billion.
Exports of goods produced in Rwanda and sold on the international market were valued at $366.85 million, representing a 23.7% decline compared to $480.82 million recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
Imports during the same period amounted to $1.33221 billion, reflecting a 3.4% decrease from $1.37905 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
Overall, total trade declined by 5.13% year-on-year, driven largely by the sharp fall in export earnings.
China remained the leading destination for Rwanda’s exports, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and India.
Re-exports were heavily concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounted for 72.19% of all goods re-exported by Rwanda. Other key destinations included Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Burundi.
In terms of export composition, food and live animals remained the leading category, valued at $67.23 million, followed by petroleum products, oils, and related goods at $61.79 million.
On the import side, China remained Rwanda’s largest source of imported goods, supplying $355.53 million worth. India followed with $154.28 million, Tanzania with $126.3 million, Kenya with $93.8 million, Uganda with $77.67 million, and the United Arab Emirates with $76.43 million.
The data underscores China’s continued dominance as Rwanda’s top import partner, while the DRC remains central in regional re-export trade flows.
