Unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee in Cameroon reached 22 285 tons, supported by the modernization of processing facilities such as Synergie Nord Sud, which secured a loan to increase its roasting capacity from 1 to 4 tons per hour. The Autonomous Port of Kribi organized a workshop to enhance the quality and competitiveness of coffee exports. Production exceeded 41 000 tons. By 2019, the market volume grew slightly to 22 804 tons with stable production. In 2020, the market contracted sharply to 15 108 tons, coinciding with a drop in production to 36 360 tons and a rise in exports. The Ministry of Agriculture published a list of authorized fertilizers, which regulated agricultural inputs for coffee cultivation.

The market recovered to 18 230 tons in 2021, driven by efforts to stimulate domestic consumption. The National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC) intensified training for roasters and hospitality staff, promoting the benefits of coffee to boost local demand. The 2021-2022 coffee campaign reported increased production due to sector support, input distribution, and certified planting material. In 2022, further growth brought the market to 21 930 tons, supported by ONCC's actions to strengthen the coffee campaign, including input distribution and an increase in the number of roasters. Improved packaging and the installation of kiosks in administrations and airports facilitated access. Synergie Nord Sud received approval to modernize its production apparatus, aiming to enhance processing capacity.

In 2023, the market volume declined to 17 855 tons, despite ongoing efforts to intensify production and local processing, with attention to quality and sector structuring led by ONCC.

Production unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon ranked 26th globally in the production of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee.

Top producers of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

World map of production of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

Cameroon's production of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 36,360 tonnes, marking an 11.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee production in Cameroon fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 46,439 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.0% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 73,040 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 24.4% decrease. The most significant increase was seen in 2018, with a 21.7% rise.

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

Exports unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Cameroon's exports of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee increased in 2020. The country exported 21,259 tonnes, reflecting a 17.4% rise compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 25.4%, averaging an annual decline of 9.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 18,108 tonnes, and the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 33.7% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Algeria, and France were the primary markets for Cameroon's unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee exports by volume. Belgium accounted for 21.9% of exports, Algeria for 18.2%, and France for 15.1%. Together, these three countries represented 55.2% 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, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Cameroon's export value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 27,152 thousand US dollars, an 11.0% increase from the previous year. Despite this, over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 33.5%, with an average annual decline of 12.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 24,458 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 27.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, France, and Algeria were the leading destinations for Cameroon's unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee exports by value. Belgium held a 20.6% share, France 16.7%, and Algeria 13.7%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 51.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Cameroon's imports of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee reached 7 tonnes, a 55.8% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 24.5%, averaging an annual decline of 9.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 12 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 59.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Nigeria were the main sources of Cameroon's unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee imports by volume. China accounted for 29.8% of imports, France for 27.6%, and Nigeria for 15.3%. Together, these three countries made up 72.7% 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, K $ US

Cameroon's import value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 5 thousand US dollars, a 37.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 59.8%, with an average annual decline of 26.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and the United States were the largest suppliers of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee to Cameroon by value. France accounted for 30.0% of imports, Germany for 14.1%, and the United States for 12.7%. Together, these three countries formed 56.8% of total import value.

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

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