Rwanda exported goods worth Rwf 350 billion to China in the first six months of 2026, exceeding the value recorded throughout 2025 as Rwandan products continued to gain ground in the Chinese market.
Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that exports reached Rwf 350.3 billion between January and June, compared with approximately Rwf 335 billion for the whole of 2025.
The growth comes as Rwanda participates in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where local businesses are showcasing their products and seeking new buyers.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Muganza highlighted the importance of the exhibition in strengthening business relations.
“We use the CIIE to build long-term commercial relationships,” she told Xinhua ahead of the event, which also provides opportunities to promote Rwanda as an investment and tourism destination.
In the first quarter of 2026, Rwanda exported goods worth approximately Rwf 139.8 billion to China, followed by Rwf 210.4 billion in the second quarter.
The second-quarter figure represented an increase of 248.3% compared with the same period in 2025, when Rwanda exported goods worth approximately Rwf 60.4 billion to the Chinese market.
China was Rwanda’s largest export destination during the second quarter, accounting for 25.93% of the country’s domestic exports.
The latest figures reflect a significant expansion in trade relations. Between 2019 and 2025, Rwanda’s annual exports to China increased from approximately Rwf 52 billion to Rwf 335 billion, representing growth of nearly 549%.
Total trade between Rwanda and China also rose from approximately Rwf 442 billion in 2019 to Rwf 1.25 trillion in 2025.
Rwanda is participating in the China International Import Expo, which opened on November 5 and runs until November 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
The exhibition has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors and participants from 162 countries, regions and international organisations.
Covering more than 440,000 square metres, it is the largest edition since the event began in 2018.
Rwanda has participated in the exhibition since its first edition, using the platform to promote locally produced goods and establish partnerships with international buyers.
This year’s Rwandan exhibition stand features specialty coffee, tea, chili, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, natural honey, macadamia nuts and handicrafts.
Among the participating businesses is 1000 Hills Products, a Rwandan company involved in coffee exports and fruit processing.
Its founder, Ivan Shema, said that the exhibition provides an opportunity to find new customers in China and expand the company’s presence in Asian markets.
The company began exporting coffee to Poland in 2015 before reaching other European markets. In Shanghai, it is showcasing coffee and fruit products as part of its efforts to establish new commercial relationships.
For local businesses, access to new international markets can help increase demand for Rwandan products, creating additional opportunities for farmers and companies involved in processing and exporting agricultural goods.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, Lt Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, said the exhibition provides an important platform for Rwandan businesses, particularly small-scale farmers and women-led cooperatives, to reach Chinese consumers and build lasting business relationships.
He emphasised that growing demand for Rwandan agricultural products can support farmers, families and entrepreneurs involved in their production.
Rwandan exporters also benefit from China’s policy allowing eligible products to enter its market without customs duties.
The arrangement began for qualifying Rwandan products on December 1, 2024, as part of China’s trade preferences for least-developed countries.
On May 1, 2026, China expanded the policy to cover all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The arrangement allows qualifying Rwandan products to enter the Chinese market without certain import taxes, although exporters must still meet requirements relating to product origin, quality and customs procedures.
The policy creates opportunities for Rwandan producers to make their goods more competitive in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
China has also reported increased purchases of African products. During May and June 2026, imports from Africa rose by 23.5% compared with the same period in 2025.
The increase included growing demand for agricultural products such as avocados, apples and oranges.
For Rwanda, which is working to expand agricultural exports and increase local processing, the Chinese market offers opportunities for businesses producing coffee, tea, fruits and other goods.
Beyond trade, Chinese companies have continued to invest in different sectors of Rwanda’s economy.
Figures from RDB show that registered investments by Chinese companies increased from approximately Rwf 678 billion in 2024 to Rwf 809 billion in 2025, representing growth of 19%.
These investments cover manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, energy and real estate, among other sectors.
China also remains a major source of goods imported into Rwanda.
During the second quarter of 2026, Rwanda imported products worth approximately Rwf 614.7 billion from China, making it the country’s largest source of imports during that period.
The products included vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, construction materials and clothing.
In 2025, vehicles imported from China were valued at approximately Rwf 192 billion, while electrical and electronic equipment accounted for Rwf 169 billion and machinery for nearly Rwf 69 billion.
The expanding trade relationship comes as Rwanda and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
For Rwandan businesses participating in the Shanghai exhibition, the focus is on reaching more customers, securing new export contracts and creating additional opportunities for local producers.
The continued expansion of exports, together with growing investment and improved market access, reflects the importance of China as a destination for Rwandan goods and a partner in the country’s economic development.
RADIOTV10