In the first quarter of 2026, Rwanda’s total trade was valued at US$ 1,892.91 million, representing a decrease of 5.13% from the first quarter of 2025. Domestic exports were estimated at US$ 366.85 million, imports at US$ 1,332.21 million, and re-exports at US$ 193.84 million.
During this quarter, Rwanda’s total domestic exports decreased by 23.7% compared to the first quarter of 2025 (US$ 366.85 million and US$ 480.82 million respectively). However, they decreased by 2.29% compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.
Simultaneously, the country’s total imports decreased by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2026 relative to the same quarter of 2025 and decreased by 13.67% from the fourth quarter of 2025. Similarly, re-exports increased by 43.18% in the first quarter of 2026 over the same quarter of 2025 and decreased by 13.35% compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.
The top five export destinations were China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, the United States, and India.
In terms of re-exports, the top five destinations were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Burundi. Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for 72.19 percent of Rwanda’s total re-exports. The most re-exported commodity group was “Food and live animals” (US$ 67.23 million) followed by “Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials” (US$ 61.79 million).
China, India, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda were the top five countries of origin for Rwanda’s imports measured on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis.
TABLE: Top destinations of imports of Rwanda in Q1, 2026 (US$ million)
| China | 355.53 |
| India | 154.28 |
| United Republic Of Tanzania | 126.3 |
| Kenya | 93.8 |
| Uganda | 77.67 |
| United Arab Emirates | 76.43 |