Honey market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Cameroon's natural honey market volume expanded from 4 514 t to 4 652 t, supported by sustained government efforts to modernize the sector. Initial measures included training beekeepers and establishing collection centers, while a key boost came in 2022 with the abolition of the export tax for honey, which aimed to enhance the competitiveness of Cameroonian honey, notably the prized Oku variety, in international markets.

The market's growth trajectory was not uniform, experiencing a dip in 2021 before recovering. By 2023, external geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, introduced volatility, contributing to a reported production slowdown in the latter part of the year. Despite these headwinds, consistent policy focus on achieving food self-sufficiency and capturing regional trade opportunities under the National Development Strategy 2030 helped sustain overall market activity.

Production honey in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Cameroon's honey production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 699 tonnes of honey, marking a modest 3.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 0.0%.

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

Exports honey from Cameroon

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Honey export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2019 and the highest in 2020, showing an 8.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 55 288 kg of honey, representing a substantial year-over-year gain of 751.6%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 492 kg, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 58.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of Cameroonian honey were Gabon, Nigeria, and Italy, accounting for 44.8%, 25.5%, and 20.3% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 90.6% of total honey exports from Cameroon.

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 data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 6.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 18 110 US dollars worth of honey, which is 312.9% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 386 US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 29 735 US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019 with a decrease of 85.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Nigeria, Gabon, and Italy—collectively absorbed 86.9% of the total value of honey exports from Cameroon.

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

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

Imports honey to Cameroon

Imports in kind, kg

Honey imports into Cameroon have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 28 337 kg, up by 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 28.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the key supplier of honey to Cameroon, accounting for 84.2% of total imports in kind. The remaining share was distributed among a diversified group of other countries.

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 a two-year reduction, foreign honey supplies to Cameroon have increased. In 2020, Cameroon imported approximately 56 389 US dollars worth of honey, equivalent to a sharp advance of 25.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 11.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 44 878 US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 10.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France was the dominant market for imports in value terms, taking 80.1% of total flows. Other countries together accounted for the residual share.

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

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