Rwanda's formal trade deficit in goods stood at $228.44 million (about Rwf334 billion) in March 2026, reflecting a 14.52 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The latest formal trade in goods report by NISR, released on Thursday, April 30, also shows a month on month decline of 1.72 per cent compared to February 2026.

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Exports rise sharply

Domestic exports recorded a strong performance in March 2026, increasing by 17.8 per cent compared to February 2026, and by 41.6 per cent year on year.

The report attributes the growth to improved export earnings across key product categories classified under the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC).

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China and the DR Congo were the leading destinations for Rwandan exports, each receiving goods worth $48.03 million and $47.78 million respectively, together accounting for over 63 per cent of total domestic exports.

The United Arab Emirates, Thailand and the Netherlands rounded out the top five destinations.

Imports continue upward trend

Imports also increased during the same period, rising by 6.5 per cent compared to February 2026 and by 8.22 per cent year on year.

China remained Rwanda's largest source of imports at $123.66 million, representing 27.19 per cent of total imports.

India and the UAE followed, supplying goods worth $52.37 million and $51.82 million respectively, with Tanzania and Uganda also featuring among the top five source countries.

Re-exports surge

Re-exports recorded the strongest growth among trade components, increasing by 13.45 per cent month on month and by 62.84 per cent compared to March 2025.

Producer prices rise by 17 per cent

The Producer Price Index (PPI) also released on Thursday, which tracks average changes in selling prices received by domestic producers, increased by 17 per cent in March 2026 on an annual basis.

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The report shows that the general PPI, which combines local and export products, also rose by 17 per cent year on year.

Local producer prices increased by 17.3 per cent, while export producer prices rose by 21 per cent over the same period.

On a monthly basis, the general PPI increased by 2.1 per cent, with local prices up 1.8 per cent and export prices rising by 5.2 per cent.