Rwanda’s total merchandise trade reached $2.33 billion in the second quarter of 2026, rising by 34.5 per cent from the same period last year, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
The increase was supported by growth in exports and imports, although Rwanda continued to spend more on foreign goods than it earned from goods sold abroad.
Domestic exports rose by 58.65 per cent to $548.98 million, up from $346.04 million in the second quarter of 2025. They also increased by 49.65 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2026.
Imports reached $1.61 billion, representing an increase of 28.78 per cent from the corresponding period last year and 20.58 per cent from the previous quarter.
Rwanda recorded a trade deficit of $877.81 million, wider than the $758.94 million registered during the same period in 2025.
Re-exports were valued at $179.59 million. They increased by 26.11 per cent from the second quarter of last year but declined by 7.35 per cent from the first quarter of 2026.
China was Rwanda’s leading export destination, receiving goods worth $142.38 million. The United Arab Emirates followed with $107.96 million, while exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo were valued at $89.51 million.
The Netherlands and the United States completed the five leading export destinations, receiving goods worth $26.5 million and $24.22 million respectively.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remained Rwanda’s largest re-export market, accounting for 88.1 per cent of the total. Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Burundi were the other leading destinations.
Food and live animals were the largest group of re-exported goods, valued at $71.34 million. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related products followed at $40.66 million.
China was also Rwanda’s leading source of imports, followed by Tanzania, India, Kenya and Uganda.
Rwanda exported goods worth $116.47 million to East African Community countries during the quarter and imported products valued at $401.81 million. Re-exports to the regional market reached $172.35 million.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10