Rwanda’s total trade grew by 11.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025, driven by a rise in exports and a notable decline in imports, according to new figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
NISR data show that total trade reached USD 1.93 billion by December 30, 2025, up from the previous quarter. Exports increased by 12.7 percent, while imports fell by 9.74 percent compared to the second quarter of 2025, easing pressure on the country’s trade balance.
Domestic exports generated USD 389.99 million during the period, while imports were valued at USD 1.37 billion. Re-exports accounted for USD 173.65 million of total trade.
Despite the quarterly improvement, exports were significantly lower compared to the same period in 2024. Domestic exports declined by 41.53 percent year-on-year, down from USD 667 million in the third quarter of 2024 to USD 389.99 million in 2025, highlighting continued challenges in external markets.
Imports also recorded a year-on-year decline of 21.85 percent, reflecting reduced demand and import substitution efforts.
Re-exports posted mixed results, falling by 5.91 percent compared to the third quarter of 2024, but rising by 21.94 percent compared to the previous quarter.
The United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), China, Uganda and Luxembourg were Rwanda’s top export destinations. Re-exports were largely destined for the DRC, Ethiopia, the UAE, Burundi and Uganda, with the DRC alone absorbing more than 95 percent of all re-exported goods.
Foodstuffs and live animals dominated re-exports, valued at USD 54.75 million, followed by petroleum products and related goods worth USD 29.72 million.
On the import side, China, Tanzania, India, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates remained Rwanda’s main trading partners, based on CIF (cost, insurance and freight) values.
The latest figures point to a short-term improvement in Rwanda’s trade performance, although the sharp year-on-year fall in exports suggests the recovery remains fragile.
