Cameroon: Market for Natural Rubber And Gums 2025

Market Size for Natural Rubber And Gums in Cameroon

The Cameroonian natural rubber and gum market soared to $X in 2022, jumping by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a abrupt decline. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Natural Rubber And Gums in Cameroon

In value terms, natural rubber and gum production expanded notably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 55%. Natural rubber and gum production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of natural rubber and gums in Cameroon was estimated at X kg per ha in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2021 figures. Overall, the yield, however, saw a perceptible decrease. The natural rubber and gum yield peaked at X kg per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the 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.

The natural rubber and gum harvested area in Cameroon declined to X ha in 2022, falling by -1.9% against 2021 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 7.6%. The natural rubber and gum harvested area peaked at X ha in 2021, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Exports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Exports from Cameroon

Natural rubber and gum exports from Cameroon reduced rapidly to X tons in 2022, shrinking by -20.3% on 2021 figures. Overall, exports, however, recorded a notable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 430% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2021, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum exports contracted notably to $X in 2022. In general, exports recorded a slight shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 455% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for natural rubber and gum exports from Cameroon, with a 32% share of total exports. Moreover, natural rubber and gum exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Brazil (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Spain (X tons), with a 2.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States amounted to +29.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-13.7% per year) and Spain (+13.9% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for natural rubber and gums exports from Cameroon, comprising 32% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 4% share of total exports. It was followed by Brazil, with a 2.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States totaled +20.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-0.0% per year) and Brazil (-18.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average natural rubber and gum export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -6.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 57% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($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 Netherlands (+5.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Natural Rubber And Gums

Imports into Cameroon

In 2022, supplies from abroad of natural rubber and gums increased by 37% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, imports posted significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 1,200%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, natural rubber and gum imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 650% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Central African Republic (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of natural rubber and gum to Cameroon, accounting for a 80% share of total imports. Moreover, natural rubber and gum imports from Central African Republic exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X kg), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Central African Republic amounted to +35.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+6.1% per year) and the United States (+9.0% per year).

In value terms, Central African Republic ($X) constituted the largest supplier of natural rubber and gums to Cameroon, comprising 61% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 23% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Central African Republic totaled +13.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+11.8% per year) and China (-3.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average natural rubber and gum import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -5.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 62% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Central African Republic ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+2.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform