Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in Cameroon showed relative stability from 2018 to 2023, with total volume experiencing a slight overall decline. Domestic production consistently supplied almost the entire market, which decreased from 55 689 t in 2018 to 54 980 t in 2023.

A more pronounced contraction occurred in 2020, when the market volume fell to 54 570 t. This was followed by a recovery in 2021, but volumes gradually edged down again in the subsequent two years.

Imports and exports remained at minimal levels throughout the period and did not significantly influence the total market size, which closely tracked domestic production figures.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

Cameroon's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 54 579 tonnes, which was 1.9% lower than the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.2% overall, averaging a 1.4% annual growth rate. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 55 695 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.3%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Cameroon

Exports in kind, kg

The export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 16 048 kilograms, marking a substantial increase of 120.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea remained the primary buyers of Cameroon's capsicum and pimenta fruits. Gabon accounted for 38.7% of exports in kind, Nigeria for 23.4%, and Equatorial Guinea for 20.5%. Together, these three countries represented 82.6% of Cameroon's total exports in this category.

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, $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruits exports exhibited considerable volatility. Exports in monetary terms peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a 12.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 13 576 US dollars, representing a 112.9% increase over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 377 US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 81 566 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 92.2% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 610.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Equatorial Guinea was the leading partner for Cameroon's capsicum and pimenta fruits exports in value terms, accounting for 72.2% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Cameroon

Imports in kind, kg

Imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits into Cameroon were highly volatile during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019, while the peak occurred in 2020, showing a 4.6-fold difference. In 2020, imports totaled 7 351 kilograms, reflecting a sharp increase of 357.1% compared to 2019. The minimum volume was 1 608 kilograms in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 24.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the dominant supplier of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Cameroon, accounting for 74.0% of total imports in kind. Other countries shared the remaining import volume.

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, $ US

After two years of decline, Cameroon's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits increased in 2020. The import value reached 10 653 US dollars, up by 39.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.4% overall, with an average annual decline of 6.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 623 US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 27.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France was the central partner for Cameroon's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits in value terms, holding an 88.8% share of total flows. Other markets contributed to a smaller portion of imports.

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

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