Rwanda’s import bill declined by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
NISR data shows that the total value of external trade stood at $1.89 billion between January and March 2026, down from $1.99 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 5.13% overall decline.
Imports remained the dominant component of trade, totaling $1.33 billion, compared to $1.38 billion in the same period last year.
Exports recorded a sharper decline, falling by 23.5% to $366.85 million from $480.82 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Re-exports, however, rose significantly by 43.18%, reaching $193.84 million from $135.39 million over the same period.
According to NISR, imports accounted for 70.38% of Rwanda’s total external trade in the first quarter of 2026, while exports made up 19.38% and re-exports contributed 10.24%.
The figures highlight continued import dominance in Rwanda’s trade structure, despite growth in re-export activity and a notable contraction in export earnings.
