Maize market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Cameroon's maize market volume declined from 2.4 million t in 2018 to 2.1 million t in 2020. This contraction was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted agricultural activities and household food security across several regions, despite agro-industries attempting to anticipate the farming season.

A recovery began in 2021, with the market growing to 2.2 million t by 2023. This turnaround was supported by a 30% government subsidy on fertilizer prices for small producers and the arrival of a major 17,936 t fertilizer shipment from Russia in 2022, which alleviated input shortages exacerbated by global supply tensions. The official publication of a list of authorized fertilizers further strengthened input quality regulation.

Throughout the period, the development of adapted maize varieties by IRAD and the government's national support program provided a structural foundation for the sector. Market dynamics were also influenced by climatic factors, such as delayed rains in 2022 affecting harvest quality and regional prices.

Production maize in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Cameroon's maize production declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, production reached 2 088 thousand tonnes, but this fell by 5.8% to 2 088 thousand tonnes in 2020. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production dropped by 3.7%, with an average annual decrease of 1.3%. The highest production was in 2018 at 2 399 thousand tonnes, which marked a 10.6% increase from the previous year. However, the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.6% drop.

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

Exports maize from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

Cameroon's maize exports fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 49 tonnes, down 30.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 82.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 43.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria and Gabon were the main destinations for Cameroon's maize exports in volume terms, together accounting for 91.9% of total exports. Other partners each had much smaller shares.

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 market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 21-fold difference between these years. In 2020, maize exports from Cameroon reached 12 thousand US dollars, a sharp decrease of 67.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 87.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 18.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Nigeria dominated Cameroon's maize exports in value terms, taking 76.4% of total flows. Other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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 to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 3.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Cameroon imported 13 711 tonnes of maize, a steep rise of 33.6% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 13 711 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 70.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina consistently accounted for 86.1% of Cameroon's maize imports in volume terms, indicating high market concentration. The rest was distributed among 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, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Cameroon's maize imports increased. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 5 351 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 39.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 46.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 18.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 3 824 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 40.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Argentina clearly dominated Cameroon's maize imports in value terms, taking 71.2% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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