Alliaceous vegetables market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for alliaceous vegetables in Cameroon contracted from 381 thousand tons to 327.7 thousand tons before recovering to 340.5 thousand tons. This initial decline coincided with tighter EU phytosanitary requirements, including increased interceptions of produce destined for Europe in early 2018 and the adoption of a new EU regulation in December 2019 that mandated full disclosure of sanitary conditions in export certificates. These measures raised compliance costs for exporters. The partial recovery in 2020 followed the implementation of Cameroon's Framework Law No. 2018/020 on food safety, which standardized marketing authorization and inspection procedures for fresh produce.

Market volume then grew steadily, reaching a peak of 386.9 thousand tons in 2022. This expansion was supported by foreign exchange restrictions maintained by the BEAC zone, which limited imports of food goods and encouraged domestic vegetable production to fill the gap. However, volume dipped to 364.5 thousand tons in 2023. Regulatory developments continued in 2024 with new BEAC currency rules and the introduction of 25 national food standards designed to improve product quality and competitiveness.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

In 2019, Cameroon's production of alliaceous vegetables reached its lowest point at 325.5 thousand tonnes. The following year, in 2020, production rose by 4.1% to 339.0 thousand tonnes. The peak production occurred in 2018, when output reached 376.0 thousand tonnes. That year saw the largest annual increase at 12.5%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

Cameroon's exports of alliaceous vegetables have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country exported 2 485 tonnes, marking a substantial year-on-year increase of 108.4%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by an impressive 8 775.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 346.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 through 2020, Congo and Gabon consistently served as the primary destinations for Cameroon's alliaceous vegetable exports. Together, these two countries accounted for 95.1% of total export volumes, with the remaining share distributed among other nations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Cameroon's alliaceous vegetable exports has also increased for three straight years. In 2020, export earnings reached 808 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp year-on-year rise of 121.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, the total increase in export value amounted to 4 139.6%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 248.7%.

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

During the 2017-2020 timeframe, Congo and Gabon remained the leading buyers in value terms, collectively accounting for 80.0% of Cameroon's total alliaceous vegetable export revenue. The remaining 20.0% was spread across a variety of other countries.

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

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

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

In 2019, Cameroon's imports of alliaceous vegetables hit their lowest level at 3 455 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, imports rose by 15.5% to 3 991 tonnes. The peak import volume occurred in 2018, reaching 5 388 tonnes. That year saw the largest annual increase at 31.8%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 35.9%. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, China, and Nigeria formed the core group of suppliers for Cameroon's alliaceous vegetable imports. The Netherlands led with 59.4% of import volumes, followed by China at 19.2% and Nigeria at 17.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 95.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Cameroon's alliaceous vegetable imports showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, import spending peaked at 1 756 thousand US dollars, marking an 82.8% increase from the previous year. By 2020, import value had fallen to 1 163 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 21.1% compared to 2019. The overall fluctuation from 2017 to 2020 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.8 times, reflecting a volatile market environment.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and China dominated Cameroon's alliaceous vegetable imports in value terms. These two countries together accounted for 88.3% of total import spending, while the remaining share was distributed among various other nations.

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

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