In the fourth quarter of 2024, Rwanda’s total trade was US$ 2,484.12 million, an increase of 21.44 percent over the fourth quarter of 2023. Domestic exports were estimated at US$ 677.45 million; imports were estimated at US$ 1,629.39 million and re-exports were estimated at US$ 177.29 million.
TABLE: Rwanda's Formal External Trade in Goods (values in US$ million)
| 2023Q4 | 2024Q1 | 2024Q2 | 2024Q3 | 2024Q4 | |
| Exports | 399.11 | 431.61 | 537.64 | 667 | 677.45 |
| Imports | 1486.93 | 1410.52 | 1568.97 | 1751.57 | 1629.39 |
| Re-Exports | 159.55 | 173.17 | 164 | 184.56 | 177.29 |
| Total Trade | 2045.6 | 2015.3 | 2270.61 | 2603.13 | 2484.12 |
| Trade Balance | -928.27 | -805.74 | -867.33 | -900.01 | -774.66 |
In this quarter, total domestic exports increased by 69.74 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (US$ 677.45 million and US$ 399.11 million respectively) and by 1.57 percent when compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Total imports of Rwanda increased by 9.58 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 when compared to the same quarter of 2023 and decreased by 6.98 percent over the third quarter of 2024. Re-exports increased by 11.11 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 over the same quarter of 2023 and decreased by 3.94 percent compared to the third quarter of 2024.
The top five export destinations were the United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom.
In terms of re-exports, the top five destinations were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Uganda. Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for 95.63 percent of Rwanda’s total re-exports.
The most re-exported commodity group was “Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials” (US$ 44.15 million) followed by “Food and live animals” (US$ 39.60 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.