Onions and shallots market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Cameroon saw considerable variation in volume from 2018 to 2023. A significant drop to 326,000 tons occurred in 2019, primarily driven by poor harvests in the northern production basins and increased transport costs, which constrained supply. Recovery followed over the next two years, with volume reaching 351,000 tons in 2021. Growth accelerated sharply in 2022, as the market expanded to 385,000 tons, a change supported by the government's publication of a definitive list of authorized fertilizers that year, which clarified input access for growers and likely encouraged production. This trend reversed in 2023, with volume declining to 363,000 tons amid concerns over falling yields linked to rising production costs.

Structural initiatives emerged alongside annual production shifts. In 2023, the installation of new storage shelves for the Boula-Mokong cooperative aimed to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the local value chain. External demand from neighboring countries, including Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo-Brazzaville, remained a persistent factor, often intensifying local market tightness and price pressures during periods of scarcity.

For 2024, key developments included severe flooding in the Far-North production zones late in the year, threatening yields and exacerbating price increases, alongside the launch of the PADFA II innovation fund designed to finance projects improving the competitiveness of the onion and rice sectors.

Production onions and shallots in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Cameroon produced 338.6 thousand tons of onions and shallots in 2020, marking a 4.1% increase from the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 325.1 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 375.6 thousand tons. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.4%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018 with a 12.5% rise.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

Cameroon's exports of onions and shallots have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 2 454 tons, representing a sharp increase of 108.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 30 578.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 574.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Congo and Gabon together accounting for 95.6% of total flows. Other trading partners made up only a small residual portion.

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

Cameroon's exports of onions and shallots have continued to rise for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 799 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic gain of 122.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6 474%, with a compound annual growth rate of 303.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo and Gabon dominated Cameroon's export value, together forming 82.7% of the total. Congo contributed 50.8% and Gabon 31.9%, while other partners 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 onions and shallots to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Cameroon's imports of onions and shallots amounted to 3 109 tons, reflecting an abrupt gain of 33.9% over the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 40%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 586 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 35.2% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 61.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands was the dominant source for Cameroon's imports in kind, concentrating 89.5% of the total volume. The remainder was distributed among many other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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 market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 1 009 thousand US dollars and hit a low in 2017, with a 1.8-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Cameroon's imports of onions and shallots from abroad totaled 810 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight decrease of 1.7% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 18.2%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with an 84.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the principal market for onions and shallots imported into Cameroon, accounting for 88.6% of total import value. Other destinations contributed to a less significant portion of the imports.

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

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