Cameroon: Cotton Lint Market 2024

Cotton Lint Market Size in Cameroon

The Cameroonian cotton lint market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2022, after two years of decline. Overall, consumption enjoyed a remarkable increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Cotton Lint Production in Cameroon

In value terms, cotton lint production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +5.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 26%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of cotton lint in Cameroon soared to X tons per ha in 2022, growing by 20% against the year before. Overall, the yield indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, cotton lint yield decreased by -14.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. The cotton lint yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of cotton lint production in Cameroon shrank modestly to X ha, leveling off at the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cotton lint production attained the maximum at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cotton Lint Exports

Exports from Cameroon

Cotton lint exports from Cameroon dropped significantly to X tons in 2022, with a decrease of -39.3% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports recorded a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 360%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton lint exports fell dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 499%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Bangladesh (X tons) was the main destination for cotton lint exports from Cameroon, accounting for a 40% share of total exports. Moreover, cotton lint exports to Bangladesh exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Vietnam (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by China (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Bangladesh amounted to +9.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (+40.6% per year) and China (-23.9% per year).

In value terms, Bangladesh ($X) remains the key foreign market for cotton lint exports from Cameroon, comprising 40% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Bangladesh stood at +8.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: India (+17.2% per year) and China (-22.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cotton lint export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -3.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 30%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Nigeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Nigeria (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cotton Lint Imports

Imports into Cameroon

In 2022, the amount of cotton lint imported into Cameroon contracted to X tons, approximately equating the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports faced a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 3,257%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton lint imports dropped slightly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports continue to indicate a precipitous decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 2,244%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Turkey (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of cotton lint to Cameroon, with a 22% share of total imports. Moreover, cotton lint imports from Turkey exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Turkey totaled -25.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-2.7% per year) and Italy (+25.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X), Turkey ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest cotton lint suppliers to Cameroon, with a combined 43% share of total imports.

China, with a CAGR of +7.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average cotton lint import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a mild decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 31%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Italy ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+10.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform