Natural latex in primary forms market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Cameroon's natural latex production initially declined, falling from 48,200 metric tons to 47,100 metric tons by 2020, before entering a period of sustained growth. Output recovered to 48,300 metric tons in 2021 and continued to rise, reaching 53,000 metric tons by 2023.

Domestic market volume, representing apparent consumption, followed a more volatile path. After contracting to 34,805 metric tons in 2019, it grew the following year before falling again in 2021 and 2022. A sharp rebound occurred in 2023, with the market expanding to 38,499 metric tons.

The market remained heavily export-oriented throughout the period, with annual exports consistently measured in the thousands of tons and far exceeding minimal import volumes. This structure underscores the sector's reliance on external demand, with export shipments peaking at 17,671 metric tons in 2022.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon ranked 18th globally in production volume for natural latex in primary forms, establishing itself as one of the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

World map of production of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

Cameroon's production of natural latex in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 47 100 tonnes, marking a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Cameroon's production of natural latex in primary forms increased in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 47 106 thousand US dollars, representing a 3.3% rise compared to the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 21.1%, averaging an annual drop of 7.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 45 608 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cameroon in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Cameroon's export volumes of natural latex in primary forms declined. In 2020, exports totaled 11 355 tonnes, showing a significant 12.0% decrease from the previous year. Despite this, between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 64.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.0%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 12 897 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 56.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Belgium were the primary buyers of natural latex in primary forms from Cameroon, together accounting for 80.3% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

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

Following a two-year upward trend, Cameroon's export value of natural latex in primary forms declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 11 356 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.9% loss compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 45.8%, averaging an annual growth of 13.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 331 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 58.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States and Belgium dominated as the main buyers of natural latex in primary forms from Cameroon in value terms, together comprising 80.0% of total exports. Other trading partners contributed to a smaller share of the export market.

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

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

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

The import market for natural latex in primary forms in Cameroon showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 677 tonnes, representing a dramatic 30 755.0% increase from the previous year. This resulted in a 309-fold difference between these two years. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 97.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic were the main suppliers of natural latex in primary forms to Cameroon, jointly holding 95.1% of total imports in volume. The remaining imports came from a variety 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, K $ US

The import value of natural latex in primary forms in Cameroon exhibited notable volatility over the observed period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2018 at 5 thousand US dollars and reached their maximum in 2020 at 58 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 450.4% increase from 2019. This created a gap of 10.7 times between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 74.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (35.4% of import value), China (17.5%), and Spain (13.9%) were the key suppliers of natural latex in primary forms to Cameroon in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 66.8% of total imports.

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

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