Maize flour and cereals market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for maize flour and cereals in Cameroon showed variable volumes, starting at 1,001 thousand tons in 2018. A slight dip to 977 thousand tons in 2019 was followed by recovery to 995 thousand tons in 2020, supported by significant imports of maize and its derivatives that supplemented domestic production. The market then reached a peak of 1,031 thousand tons in 2021.

The year 2022 brought a sharp turn due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, which triggered a global surge in wheat prices and local flour shortages. This price shock, combined with domestic inflation near 4%, reduced consumer purchasing power and contributed to a market contraction to 979 thousand tons. In response, the Cameroonian government implemented 29 mandatory standards for agro-food products, including whole maize flour, and banned the export of local flours to secure domestic supply, aiming to improve the competitiveness of local agri-food businesses.

By 2023, collaborative efforts between millers and bakers helped stabilize prices and availability, allowing the market to rebound to 999 thousand tons. The ongoing enforcement of quality standards and continued policy support for import substitution have set a foundation for more resilient local value chains into 2024.

Production maize flour and cereals in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

In 2019, Cameroon's production of maize flour and cereals reached its lowest point at 953.0 thousand tons, declining by 3.6% from the previous year. Production then rebounded in 2020 to 970.5 thousand tons, showing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 988.4 thousand tons, which represented a 2.7% increase over the prior year.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

Cameroon's exports of maize flour and cereals declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, falling to 129 tons. This marked an 83.7% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 95.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -64.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Central African Republic was the largest buyer of maize flour and cereals from Cameroon, accounting for 51.8% of exports in kind. Chad followed with 22.9%, and Congo with 14.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 89.3% of Cameroon's total exports in kind during this period.

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 maize flour and cereals exports from Cameroon declined for the third year in a row in 2020, reaching 61 thousand US dollars. This represented an 83.8% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export values fell by 94%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -60.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Central African Republic was the primary buyer of maize flour and cereals from Cameroon in value terms, accounting for 56.5% of exports. Congo followed with 15.9%, and Chad with 15.7%. Collectively, these three markets represented 88.1% of Cameroon's total export value for these products.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

Cameroon's imports of maize flour and cereals showed significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 13 579 tons, declining by 33.3% from the previous year. They then surged in 2019 to a peak of 25 180 tons, an 85.4% increase. In 2020, imports stood at 24 628 tons, marking a slight decrease of 2.2% year-over-year. The gap between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018 was 1.9-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and France were the main sources of maize flour and cereals imports to Cameroon in kind, jointly accounting for 87.8% of total import volumes. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

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

In 2020, Cameroon imported 10 380 thousand US dollars worth of maize flour and cereals, a moderate decrease of 9.9% compared to the prior year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 6 910 thousand US dollars, which represented a 35.1% decline from 2017. Imports then rose sharply in 2019 to a peak of 11 525 thousand US dollars, a 66.8% increase. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import values decreased by 2.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -0.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain and France dominated the value of maize flour and cereals imports to Cameroon, accounting for the majority of import spending. Other markets played a less significant role during this period.

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

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