Rwanda

AGOA Status: Rwanda is eligible for AGOA this year. It also qualifies for textile and apparel benefits.

Trade Agreements: The U.S.-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) was entered into force in January 2012. The negotiations toward the BIT were launched in 2007 as one outcome of the consultations under the 2006 United States-Rwanda Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The most recent U.S.-Rwanda TIFA Council meeting was held in Washington in December, 2011.

The U.S. also signed Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA) with the East African Community (EAC) in 2008, and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2001. Rwanda is a member of both regional organizations. USTR’s Africa Office is also leading U.S. efforts to forge a new trade and investment partnership with the East African Community.

U.S.-Rwanda Trade Facts

Rwanda is currently our 158th largest goods trading partner with $150 million in total (two way) goods trade during 2011.

Exports

Rwanda was the United States' 148th largest goods export market in 2011.

U.S. goods exports to Rwanda in 2011 were $120 million, up 290.8% ($89 million) from 2010.

The top export categories (2-digit HS) in 2011 were: Aircraft ($93 million), Pharmaceutical Products ($9 million), Machinery ($4 million), Optic and Medical Instruments ($4 million), and Milling ($2 million).

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Rwanda totaled $4 million in 2011.

Ambassador Ron Kirk and Rwandan President Paul Kagame
in March 2012

Imports

Rwanda was the United States' 148th largest supplier of goods imports in 2011.

U.S. goods imports from Rwanda totaled $31 million in 2011, a 43.6% increase ($9 million) from 2010.

The five largest import categories in 2011 were: Spices, Coffee and Tea (coffee) ($28 million), Lac and Vegetable Saps (pectates) ($2 million), Straw, Esparto (basketwork) ($573 thousand), Ores, Slag, and Ash (tungsten ore) ($194 thousand), and Knit Apparel ($108 thousand).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Rwanda totaled $30 million in 2011. Largest category: Coffee (unroasted) ($28 million).

Trade Balance

The U.S. goods trade surplus with Rwanda was $89 million in 2011, a 874.6% increase ($80 million) from 2010.

Investment

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Rwanda (stock) was $1 million in 2010 (latest data available), the same as in 2009.

Rwanda FDI in the United States (stock) was not available in 2010.