In the first quarter of 2025, Rwanda’s total trade was US$ 1,995.26 million, a decrease of 0.99 percent over the first quarter of 2024. Domestic exports were estimated at US$ 480.82 million; imports were estimated at US$ 1,379.05 million and re-exports were estimated at US$ 135.39 million.
In this quarter, total domestic exports increased by 11.40 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2024 (US$ 480.82 million and US$ 431.61 million respectively) and decreased by 29.02 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
Total imports of Rwanda decreased by 2.23 percent in the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same quarter of 2024 and decreased by 15.36 percent over the fourth quarter of 2024.
Re−exports decreased by 21.82 percent in the first quarter of 2025 over the same quarter of 2024 and decreased by 23.63 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
The top five export destinations were the United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Luxembourg, and the United States.
In terms of re−exports, the top five destinations were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda and Zambia. Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for 93.91 percent of Rwanda’s total re−exports. The most re−exported commodity group was “Food and live animals” (US$ 42.33 million) followed by “Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials” (US$ 34.35 million).
In terms of total imports (CIF); China, Tanzania, Kenya, India and United Arab Emirates were the top five countries of origin of imports to Rwanda.