Rwanda’s trade deficit has narrowed by 14.5%, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), driven by sustained growth in exports and improved performance across key trade sectors.
The March 2026 trade report shows that Rwanda exported goods worth $228.4 million, reflecting a slight monthly decline of 1.72% compared to February 2026, but a strong year-on-year increase of 41.6% compared to March 2025.
Exports of locally produced goods recorded a 17.8% increase month-on-month, signaling improved domestic production and competitiveness in external markets.
NISR attributes the overall export performance to gains across key product categories under the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), which continue to support Rwanda’s external trade position.
China remained Rwanda’s largest export destination, importing goods worth $48 million, followed closely by the Democratic Republic of Congo at $47.7 million. Together with markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and the Netherlands, these destinations accounted for 63% of Rwanda’s total exports.
On the import side, Rwanda’s purchases rose by 6.5% compared to February 2026 and by 8.22% year-on-year. China remained the leading supplier, accounting for $123.6 million or 27.19% of total imports, followed by India and the United Arab Emirates, while Tanzania and Uganda completed the top five sources.
Re-exports also showed strong growth, increasing by 13.4% month-on-month and surging by 62.84% compared to March 2025, reflecting Rwanda’s growing role as a regional trade hub.
The report further highlights rising industrial prices, with locally consumed manufactured goods increasing by 17.3%, export goods rising by 21%, and overall industrial prices edging up by 2.1% compared to February 2026.
