Tapioca and starch substitutes market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tapioca and starch substitutes in Cameroon saw initial development from 2018, as cassava-producing cooperatives actively sought to increase their processing capacities for derivatives like tapioca, flour, and starch. This push to add value to cassava, recognized as a high-value agricultural raw material and a substitute for barley or wheat in the food industry, helped establish a foundation for domestic production. Market volume grew steadily, with a notable increase in 2020.

Production continued to rise through 2023, reaching over 10 000 t. During this period, regulatory measures shaped the market environment. In 2023, the Standards and Quality Agency (ANOR) made 29 agri-food standards mandatory, including for edible cassava flour, reinforcing product quality and safety. This regulatory strengthening, alongside the continued efforts of local cooperatives, supported market development and adaptation within the supply chain.

By 2024, the market faced headwinds as the Anglophone crisis in certain regions affected cassava cultivation, slowing raw material supply and contributing to rising tapioca prices in local markets. Concurrently, the strict application of the 2018 food safety law, requiring a Consumption Marketing Authorization, and ongoing government support for SMEs and agro-industry aimed to maintain market standards and encourage local processing amid these challenges.

Production tapioca and starch substitutes in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon was one of the world's leading producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, ranking 13th globally by production volume.

Top producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Cameroon produced 8 963 tons of tapioca and starch substitutes, which represented a 20.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.7%. The smallest change occurred in 2019, with production remaining essentially flat.

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

Exports tapioca and starch substitutes from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 123.1 tons of tapioca and starch substitutes, marking a substantial increase of 265.8% from 2019. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019, when exports fell by 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium were the top destinations for Cameroon's tapioca and starch substitute exports by volume. France accounted for 39.9% of exports, the United States for 37.2%, and Belgium for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented 83.4% of total export flows.

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 export market in value terms was highly volatile during these years. Exports reached their highest value in 2019 and their lowest in 2018, with a 3.4-fold gap between these two years. In 2020, the value of tapioca and starch substitute shipments from Cameroon abroad was recorded at 18 436 US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 42.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 9 331 US dollars in 2018, while the maximum was 32 042 US dollars in 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 243.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—France, the United States, and Canada—together accounted for 81.3% of the total value of tapioca and starch substitute exports from Cameroon.

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

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

Imports tapioca and starch substitutes to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

Import data revealed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon imported 1.9 tons of tapioca and starch substitutes, amounting to a decline of 75.3% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.9 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 105.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Nigeria, Lebanon, and France formed the core group of suppliers for Cameroon's tapioca and starch substitute imports by volume. Nigeria accounted for 34.7% of imports, Lebanon for 31.7%, and France for 26.3%. Together, these three countries represented 92.7% of total import flows.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in import performance during this period. Imports reached their peak in 2019 and their trough in 2020, showing a 6.4-fold fluctuation. In 2020, the value of Cameroon's tapioca and starch substitute imports came to 373 US dollars, constituting a sudden contraction of 84.4% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 387 US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 46.9%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Nigeria, France, and Lebanon were the primary suppliers of tapioca and starch substitutes to Cameroon in value terms. Nigeria accounted for 36.9% of imports, France for 29.8%, and Lebanon for 25.7%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 92.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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