Cameroon: Maize Market 2025

Maize Market Size in Cameroon

The Cameroonian maize market amounted to $X in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a noticeable expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -0.9% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Maize Production in Cameroon

In value terms, maize production expanded modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 140%. Maize production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average yield of maize in Cameroon contracted slightly to X tons per ha, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021. Overall, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the yield increased by 15%. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the average maize yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of maize were harvested in Cameroon; almost unchanged from the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 33% against the previous year. The maize harvested area peaked at X ha in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Maize Exports

Exports from Cameroon

In 2022, approx. X tons of maize were exported from Cameroon; with an increase of 264% against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, exports showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 875% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, maize exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 1,078% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Gabon (X tons) was the main destination for maize exports from Cameroon, with a 66% share of total exports. Moreover, maize exports to Gabon exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Central African Republic (X tons), threefold. Congo (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Gabon totaled +43.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Central African Republic (+38.5% per year) and Congo (-11.8% per year).

In value terms, Gabon ($X), Central African Republic ($X) and the UK ($X) were the largest markets for maize exported from Cameroon worldwide, together comprising 96% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Central African Republic, with a CAGR of +52.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average maize export price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -18.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a tangible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 51%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Congo ($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 the UK (+56.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Maize Imports

Imports into Cameroon

In 2022, the amount of maize imported into Cameroon reached X tons, with an increase of 12% against the year before. In general, imports enjoyed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 252%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, maize imports dropped to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 230% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Paraguay (X tons) and Ukraine (X tons) were the main suppliers of maize imports to Cameroon, with a combined 87% share of total imports. Antigua and Barbuda and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 11%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Antigua and Barbuda (with a CAGR of +43.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Antigua and Barbuda ($X) constituted the largest supplier of maize to Cameroon, comprising 44% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by Paraguay, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Antigua and Barbuda stood at +47.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Argentina (+7.5% per year) and Paraguay (-2.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average maize import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -20.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 51% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Antigua and Barbuda ($X per ton), while the price for Ukraine ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Antigua and Barbuda (+2.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform