Potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets market in Rwanda

Earlier Report Observations

The Rwandan market for potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets grew to 9 900 t in 2019, driven by government measures to stabilize potato prices and the launch of the PSTA 4 strategic agricultural investment plan, which channeled funds into sector modernization. This expansion was reversed in 2020 when the market contracted to 8 868 t, primarily due to the severe economic and logistical disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the entire agricultural sector.

A recovery to 9 540 t occurred in 2021 alongside a stabilization of potato flour prices. However, the market volume subsequently fell to 8 804 t by 2023. This decline was linked to persistent structural constraints, notably the widespread use of traditional potato varieties ill-suited for processing, which limited overall productivity and quality. During this period, efforts to introduce higher-yielding seeds and improve agricultural infrastructure continued, aiming to address these long-term challenges.

In 2024, key developments set the stage for future market evolution, including a major investment agreement to develop large-scale potato production and processing for export, and the commencement of trials for genetically modified potato varieties designed to reduce production costs and increase yields.

Production potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in Rwanda

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda consistently ranked 17th globally in the production volume of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets.

Top producers of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

In 2020, Rwanda produced 8 872 tonnes of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets, marking a 10.4% decrease from 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 8 822 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 with 9 896 tonnes. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with a 12.2% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets from Rwanda

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 4.2-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Rwanda's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets totaled 4 328 kilograms, reflecting a 14.2% decline compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium accounted for 84.8% of Rwanda's total exports in kind of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets, with the remainder distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

In 2020, Rwanda's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets amounted to 6 809 US dollars, showing a 58.7% increase over the past year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 88%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 23.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Rwanda in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the primary markets for Rwanda's exports in value terms, jointly representing 93.2% of total flows, while other partners made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Rwanda in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets to Rwanda

Imports in kind, kg

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest level in 2019 and their lowest in 2020, with a 12.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to Rwanda were recorded at 677 kilograms, representing a sharp 92.2% drop from 2019. The maximum value was in 2019 at 8 638 kilograms, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 126.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

During 2017–2020, India and China were the dominant suppliers of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to Rwanda, together comprising 85.3% of total imports in kind, with other sources each holding relatively small shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Rwanda in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied 4.8 times from the high in 2019 to the low in 2020. In 2020, Rwanda's imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets totaled 1 331 US dollars, which is 79.0% lower than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 344 US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 27.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Rwanda in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, India (44.9% of imports in value terms), South Africa (21.0% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (12.4% of imports in value terms) remained the main sources for Rwanda's imports in value terms of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets, collectively accounting for 78.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Rwanda in value, 2017-2020