Rwanda is moving closer to gaining access to China’s massive avocado market, according to a statement issued on November 4 by the Rwandan embassy in Beijing. The discussions are said to be in the final stages.
“The protocol that will allow Rwanda to export avocados to China is expected to be signed soon, which will further expand the range of Rwandan products available to Chinese buyers,” the embassy noted.
Once completed, this agreement will unlock a new and promising destination for Rwanda’s expanding avocado sector.
China is currently the second-largest avocado importer in Asia, just behind Japan. Figures from Trade Map indicate that China imported nearly 49,000 tons of avocados valued at $122.4 million in 2024, with Peru and Chile supplying about 90% of that volume.
Aside from these main suppliers, Rwanda will also compete with smaller exporters such as Mexico, Kenya, and New Zealand as it enters the Chinese market.
Securing entry into China could significantly boost avocados’ contribution to Rwanda’s fruit export earnings. Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that in the 2023/2024 period, fruit exports generated $34.7 million, and avocados accounted for roughly 30% of that income, about $11 million.
