Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Cameroon expanded to a peak of 164 thousand t in 2020, driven by a temporary surge in imports that year. Domestic production had already increased from 121 thousand t in 2018 to 148 thousand t in 2019, supported by state-owned SODECOTON's five-year recovery plan aiming to boost cotton-seed output, a key oleaginous product. However, production fluctuated between 137 and 142 thousand t from 2021 onward, as the sector faced challenges from input costs and shifting trade patterns.

From 2022, a sharp rise in exports, which reached 32.5 thousand t in 2023, began to reduce domestic market volume, which fell to 108 thousand t by 2023. This export growth coincided with the mandatory implementation of 29 agro-food standards by the ANOR in November 2022, covering oleaginous products, likely improving quality for international markets. Concurrently, government efforts to promote local sourcing and reduce the trade deficit encouraged the use of domestic raw materials, influencing market structure.

Throughout the period, broader agricultural initiatives, such as the development of fertilizer projects and investments in the Kribi industrial zone, supported the agro-processing sector. Notably, peanut production, a major oleaginous crop, reached 500 thousand t in 2021, indicating underlying strength in oil seed cultivation despite fluctuations in the specific market data.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

In 2020, Cameroon produced 141.7 tons of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, representing a controlled decline of 4.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 121.2 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 22.1%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, with a rise of 22.3%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Cameroon

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, showing a 3.8-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Cameroon's export volume of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits was 2,375 kg, marking a significant increase of 280.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 624 kg, with the largest decline that year at 48.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—Gabon and the United States—together accounted for 95.0% of total exports in kind, while the remaining volume was distributed across a wide range of 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, $ US

The market showed volatility during this period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 and reached a peak in 2020, with a 28-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Cameroon exported $37,240 worth of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, reflecting a sharp gain of 2,668.4% over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at $1,345, with the largest decline that year at 7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Cameroon's exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in value terms were Congo (37.1% of exports), Central African Republic (32.0%), and Nigeria (18.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 87.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Cameroon

Imports in kind, kg

The market experienced volatility during these years. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 178-fold amplitude. In 2020, Cameroon imported a total of 24,829 kg of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, reflecting a rise of 778.3% over the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 23.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2,547.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria and France were the dominant suppliers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Cameroon, together accounting for 96.1% of total imports in kind, with other partners playing a less significant role.

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

Foreign supplies of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Cameroon increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Cameroon imported $44,063 worth of these products, which is 160.9% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 22,041.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 505.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France remained the main market for imports in value terms, with a share of 78.7% of total flows, while the rest was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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

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