Palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for palm kernel oil in Cameroon expanded from 28 240 tons in 2018 to 37 672 tons in 2023. This growth trajectory began with significant investments in local production capacity, notably the launch of a large-scale industrial palm plantation in Campo in 2018. The project aimed to produce 180 000 tons of palm oil and 18 000 tons of palm kernel oil per year, directly addressing the country's historical reliance on imports.

Market volume reached 33 091 tons in 2019 before experiencing a moderate contraction to 31 519 tons in 2020. It then entered a phase of steady recovery, climbing to 33 463 tons by 2022. A notable acceleration occurred in 2023, with volume jumping by 12.6% to 37 672 tons. This surge coincided with active government policy measures, including high-level consultations to develop alternatives to crude palm oil imports and public reassurances from industry refiners regarding the management of vegetable oil supplies.

In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture published a list of fertilizers authorized for market release, which can impact input availability for oil palm cultivation. Additionally, published information on the sector's eight-year financial profitability highlights the long-term economic rationale for ongoing investment in local production.

Production palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon ranked 13th globally in the production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions.

Top producers of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Cameroon declined. In 2020, the country produced 31 500 tonnes, down 3.4% from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 32 600 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.2%.

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

Exports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 3 tonnes and peaked in 2018 at 4 160 tonnes, representing a 1485-fold difference. In 2020, Cameroon exported 21 tonnes, marking a dramatic increase of 653.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 99.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 34 480.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Cameroon's export market for palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions was highly concentrated, with the Netherlands accounting for 99.1% of total exports in volume terms.

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 exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports in value terms bottomed in 2019 at 1 000 US dollars and peaked in 2018 at 3 242 000 US dollars, showing a 2599-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Cameroon's exports amounted to 20 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 1 481.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 100.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19 643.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands dominated Cameroon's exports of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in value terms, representing 98.9% of the total.

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

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

Imports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.1 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 494 tonnes, a 4937-fold difference. In 2020, Cameroon imported 0.1 tonnes, which was 92.0% lower than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 93.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 493 628.0%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Cameroon's imports of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions were heavily oriented towards Gabon, which accounted for 99.7% of total imports in volume terms.

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

There were significant fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports in value terms bottomed in 2018 at 200 US dollars and peaked in 2019 at 439 000 US dollars, showing a 2437-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Cameroon's imports were recorded at 26 000 US dollars, representing a reduction of 94.2% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 243 625.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Cameroon's import market in value terms was extremely narrow, with Gabon alone responsible for 99.7% of total flows.

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

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