Rwanda Major Exports
Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a landlocked country located in East Africa. Despite its small size, Rwanda has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, largely driven by agriculture, mineral exports, and a growing manufacturing sector. The country’s export portfolio is diverse, with significant contributions from agricultural products, minerals, and increasing exports in processed goods. Rwanda’s strategic location in the heart of Africa enables it to serve as a regional trade hub, especially within the East African Community (EAC) and the larger African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
1. Coffee
Overview of Coffee Exports
Coffee is one of Rwanda’s most important exports and a major contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Known for its high-quality Arabica coffee, Rwanda has built a solid reputation in international markets. The coffee sector involves numerous smallholder farmers, making it vital for rural employment and poverty alleviation.
- Coffee Export Value: Coffee exports generate approximately $80 million annually, contributing significantly to Rwanda’s export revenues.
- Types of Coffee: Rwanda mainly exports Arabica coffee, known for its distinctive flavor and aroma, which is grown at high altitudes in volcanic soils.
Key Markets for Coffee
- United States: The U.S. is one of the largest importers of Rwandan coffee, with consumers appreciating its specialty coffee.
- European Union: The EU is a significant market for Rwandan coffee, particularly countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
- Japan: Japan is a growing market for Rwandan coffee, with demand driven by the country’s high-quality coffee culture.
2. Tea
Overview of Tea Exports
Tea is another major agricultural export for Rwanda, and the country is known for producing high-quality black tea. The tea sector is crucial to Rwanda’s economy, with both large estates and smallholder farmers involved in cultivation. Rwanda’s tea production is predominantly located in the western regions of the country, where the fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate create ideal conditions for tea cultivation.
- Tea Export Value: Tea exports are valued at around $75 million annually, making it one of Rwanda’s top agricultural exports.
- Production: Rwanda’s tea production is largely centered on high-quality black tea, which is harvested and processed in both large-scale estates and smallholder farms.
Key Markets for Tea
- Pakistan: Pakistan is one of the largest markets for Rwandan tea, importing significant quantities for its large tea-drinking population.
- United Kingdom: The UK imports Rwandan tea as part of its ongoing demand for premium black tea blends.
- Kenya: Neighboring Kenya, which is a major tea producer itself, imports Rwandan tea for blending purposes.
3. Minerals
Overview of Mineral Exports
Rwanda has substantial mineral resources, and mining has become an increasingly important part of its economy. The country is rich in tin, tungsten, and tantalum (the so-called “3Ts”), as well as gold. The mining sector has attracted significant investment in recent years, contributing both to GDP growth and export earnings.
- Mineral Export Value: Mineral exports contribute around $400 million annually to Rwanda’s export revenue, making it one of the country’s largest export categories.
- Key Minerals: Rwanda’s major mineral exports include coltan (tantalum), cassiterite (tin), wolframite (tungsten), and gold.
Key Markets for Minerals
- China: China is a major importer of Rwandan minerals, particularly coltan and tin, which are used in the electronics and manufacturing industries.
- European Union: The EU imports significant quantities of Rwandan tin and tantalum, primarily for use in industrial applications.
- United States: The U.S. also imports various Rwandan minerals, especially gold and tin, for use in electronics and jewelry.
4. Horticultural Products
Overview of Horticultural Exports
Rwanda’s climate and fertile volcanic soil are conducive to the production of a wide range of horticultural products, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The horticulture sector has seen rapid growth, with export markets expanding across the globe, particularly in Europe. Flowers, in particular, are a key component of Rwanda’s horticultural exports.
- Horticultural Export Value: Rwanda’s horticultural exports, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are valued at approximately $60 million annually.
- Main Products: Key horticultural exports include roses, avocados, beans, and other fruits like passion fruit and mangoes.
Key Markets for Horticultural Products
- European Union: The EU is a key market for Rwandan flowers, especially roses, which are popular in countries like the Netherlands and the UK.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE is an emerging market for Rwandan fruits and vegetables, particularly avocados and passion fruit.
- United States: The U.S. imports Rwandan horticultural products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, as part of its growing interest in African produce.
5. Livestock and Animal Products
Overview of Livestock Exports
Livestock farming, including cattle, goats, and sheep, plays a critical role in Rwanda’s rural economy. Although livestock exports are not as large as agricultural exports like coffee and tea, they are a growing component of Rwanda’s export portfolio, particularly in the East African region.
- Livestock Export Value: Livestock and animal products contribute around $30 million annually to Rwanda’s export economy.
- Key Products: Key exports include live cattle, beef, and dairy products. Rwanda has also been increasing its exports of leather and hides.
Key Markets for Livestock and Animal Products
- Uganda: Uganda is one of the largest regional markets for Rwandan livestock, including cattle and goats.
- Kenya: Kenya imports both live animals and meat from Rwanda, especially as the demand for beef rises.
- Middle East: Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been growing markets for Rwandan animal products, particularly leather and beef.
6. Fish and Seafood
Overview of Fish and Seafood Exports
Rwanda’s fishing sector, though small compared to other agricultural industries, plays a vital role in the local economy, especially in providing protein-rich food. The country’s lakes, particularly Lake Kivu, support a significant fishing industry. While the fish export sector is still developing, it is becoming an increasingly important source of export revenue.
- Fish Export Value: Fish and seafood exports are valued at around $20 million annually.
- Types of Fish: The main species exported include tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, all of which are caught in Rwanda’s freshwater lakes.
Key Markets for Fish and Seafood
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): The DRC is a major market for Rwandan fish, particularly tilapia, which is consumed widely in the country.
- Kenya: Kenya is another key market for Rwandan fish, including both fresh and processed products.
- Middle East: Rwanda has been exploring export opportunities in the Middle East for frozen and dried fish products.
7. Handicrafts and Textiles
Overview of Handicrafts and Textiles Exports
The handicrafts sector is a growing part of Rwanda’s non-agricultural export base, with products made from local materials such as wood, bamboo, and fabric. These products are popular in international markets, particularly as tourism-related souvenirs and gifts. Rwanda’s traditional handicrafts, including woven baskets and pottery, have gained recognition for their quality and cultural significance.
- Handicraft Export Value: Handicrafts and textiles contribute around $10 million to Rwanda’s export revenue annually.
- Main Products: Key products include handwoven baskets, beads, and traditional Rwandan fabrics, such as those used to create clothing and accessories.
Key Markets for Handicrafts and Textiles
- United States: The U.S. imports Rwandan handicrafts, especially woven baskets and fabrics, as part of a growing demand for African artisanal goods.
- Europe: European countries, particularly France and Belgium, are significant markets for Rwandan handicrafts, especially due to historical ties.
- Australia: Australia is emerging as a key market for Rwandan textiles and handicrafts, with increasing interest in African art and design.
Top Products Exported by Rwanda
Market Value: 292 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Coffee | 53,960 | 18.45 | 179.64 |
| 2 | Niobium | 18,556 | 6.35 | 5.67 |
| 3 | Tea | 9,391 | 3.21 | 830.13 |
| 4 | Tungsten Ores | 6,420 | 2.20 | 855.80 |
| 5 | Tin Ores | 4,593 | 1.57 | 401.87 |
| 6 | Goat Leather – No Hair | 570 | 0.19 | 299.86 |
| 7 | Basketwork | 416 | 0.14 | 2,600.90 |
| 8 | Cut Flowers & Buds | 337 | 0.12 | 8.59 |
| 9 | Tantalum & Articles | 262 | 0.09 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 245 | 0.08 | 277.95 |
| 11 | Live Plants | 223 | 0.08 | -59.04 |
| 12 | Binders For Found Molds | 154 | 0.05 | 0.00 |
| 13 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 143 | 0.05 | 35.46 |
| 14 | Tin | 140 | 0.05 | 0.00 |
| 15 | Diesel Engines | 120 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 16 | Alloy Steel < 600Mm Wide | 117 | 0.04 | 908.54 |
| 17 | Malt Extract | 115 | 0.04 | 14,581.92 |
| 18 | Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics | 110 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 19 | Polymers of Ethylene | 109 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 20 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 100 | 0.03 | 2,116.84 |
| 21 | Bananas | 80 | 0.03 | -17.85 |
| 22 | Cycle Parts & Assessories | 73 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 23 | Ash & Residues | 71 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 24 | Passenger Vehicles | 66 | 0.02 | 225.45 |
| 25 | Woven Fabric -Under 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 | 62 | 0.02 | -92.28 |
| 26 | Chemical Elements Used in Electronics | 58 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 27 | Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis | 57 | 0.02 | 5,222.32 |
| 28 | Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Hot | 50 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Vehicle Bodies | 48 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Organic Surface-Active Agents | 46 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 31 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 42 | 0.01 | -64.92 |
| 32 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 37 | 0.01 | -22.63 |
| 33 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 33 | 0.01 | 4,734.79 |
| 34 | Worn Clothing | 33 | 0.01 | 341.52 |
| 35 | Labels & Badges | 31 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 36 | Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes | 30 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 37 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 30 | 0.01 | -49.63 |
| 38 | Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments | 29 | 0.01 | 1,516.07 |
| 39 | Precious & Semiprecious Stones | 27 | 0.01 | 55.47 |
| 40 | Wood Marquetry | 25 | 0.01 | -47.08 |
| 41 | Sheep Skins – No Wool | 25 | 0.01 | -42.63 |
| 42 | Cow & Horse Hides | 25 | 0.01 | -92.26 |
| 43 | Misc Ores | 25 | 0.01 | 3,412.75 |
| 44 | Leguminous Vegetables | 20 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 45 | Beer | 20 | 0.01 | 948.33 |
| 46 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 19 | 0.01 | 75.14 |
| 47 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 19 | 0.01 | 226.53 |
| 48 | Water Heaters | 18 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 49 | Spectacles | 17 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 50 | Machines For Testing Material | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 51 | Acrylic Polymers | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 52 | Articles of Plastics | 12 | 0.00 | -75.45 |
| 53 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 54 | Physical Exercise Equipment | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 55 | Furniture & Parts | 12 | 0.00 | -92.11 |
| 56 | Plastic Containers | 12 | 0.00 | 8.81 |
| 57 | Resin Carving Material | 11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 58 | Dishwashing & Packaging Machines | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 59 | Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Pictures & Photos | 9 | 0.00 | 1,223.22 |
| 61 | Fresh Vegetables | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 62 | Fresh Fruit | 9 | 0.00 | -11.59 |
| 63 | Synthetic Filament Yarn | 8 | 0.00 | -68.10 |
| 64 | Electric Motors & Generators | 8 | 0.00 | 511.64 |
| 65 | Fruit & Vegetable Juice | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Semi Trucks & Tractors | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 67 | Printed & Illustrated Post Cards | 7 | 0.00 | -58.46 |
| 68 | Ink | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 69 | X-Ray Apparatus | 6 | 0.00 | 470.46 |
| 70 | Soft Drinks | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Wood Sawn > 6 mm | 6 | 0.00 | -57.32 |
| 73 | Ceramic Statuettes | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 74 | Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps | 5 | 0.00 | -84.84 |
| 75 | Hand Tools | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Raw Hides & Skins | 5 | 0.00 | -94.21 |
| 77 | Insecticides | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 78 | Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Dates | 4 | 0.00 | 155.54 |
| 81 | Imitation Jewelry | 4 | 0.00 | 4.63 |
| 82 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 3 | 0.00 | -79.01 |
| 83 | Hair Preparations | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 84 | Odoriferous Mixtures | 3 | 0.00 | -82.42 |
| 85 | Polyethers | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 86 | Articles of Aluminum | 3 | 0.00 | -89.02 |
| 87 | Electromagnets | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 88 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Starches | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Engine Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 91 | Leguminous Vegetables | 2 | 0.00 | 31.06 |
| 92 | Knitted Sweaters | 2 | 0.00 | -16.14 |
| 93 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 94 | Non Crude Oil | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 95 | Collectors Items of Botanic | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper | 2 | 0.00 | -96.17 |
| 97 | Festive & Entertainment Art | 2 | 0.00 | -24.98 |
| 98 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 2 | 0.00 | -40.79 |
| 99 | Cereal Flours | 2 | 0.00 | 75.11 |
| 100 | Trucks | 2 | 0.00 | -92.15 |
| 101 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 102 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 103 | Turntables & Cassette Players | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 104 | Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 105 | Washers & Dryers | 2 | 0.00 | -97.70 |
| 106 | Essent Oils Resinoid | 1 | 0.00 | 21.70 |
| 107 | Chlorides | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 108 | Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 109 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 111 | Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 112 | Leather Footwear | 1 | 0.00 | -72.84 |
| 113 | Undeveloped Photo Film | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 114 | Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters | 1 | 0.00 | -83.74 |
| 115 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -85.67 |
| 116 | Photocopy Apparatus | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 117 | Seats & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -71.96 |
| 118 | Pumps For Liquids | 1 | 0.00 | -77.68 |
| 119 | Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 120 | Carpentry of Wood | 1 | 0.00 | -91.24 |
| 121 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 1 | 0.00 | -79.73 |
| 122 | TV Receivers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | -79.08 |
| 124 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 125 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 1 | 0.00 | -86.22 |
| 126 | Other Animals | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 127 | Electric Capacitors | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 128 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 1 | 0.00 | -82.28 |
| 129 | Bed & Table Linen | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 130 | Plastic Textile Fabrics | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 131 | Books | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 132 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 133 | Misc Tools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 134 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 135 | Aircraft Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -97.36 |
| 136 | Citrus Fruit | 0 | 0.00 | -87.06 |
| 137 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Sacks & Bags of Textile Material | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 139 | Grapes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 140 | Combs | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 141 | Curtains & Interior Blinds | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 142 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 143 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 144 | Primary Cells & Batteries | 0 | 0.00 | -93.82 |
| 145 | Parts For Machine Tools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 146 | Records & Tapes | 0 | 0.00 | -99.89 |
| 147 | Misc Headgear | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |