Cameroon: Unmanufactured Tobacco Market 2025

Unmanufactured Tobacco Market Size in Cameroon

The Cameroonian unmanufactured tobacco market soared to $X in 2022, growing by 57% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a pronounced decrease. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Production in Cameroon

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco production expanded to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 34% against the previous year. Unmanufactured tobacco production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of tobacco (unmanufactured) in Cameroon stood at X tons per ha, almost unchanged from 2021 figures. Overall, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 4.5%. The unmanufactured tobacco yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 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, approx. X ha of tobacco (unmanufactured) were harvested in Cameroon; approximately equating 2021 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 4.8% against the previous year. The unmanufactured tobacco harvested area peaked at X ha in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Exports

Exports from Cameroon

In 2022, overseas shipments of tobacco (unmanufactured) decreased by -47.5% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Overall, exports, however, saw a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 177% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco exports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 144% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for unmanufactured tobacco exports from Cameroon, accounting for a 55% share of total exports. Moreover, unmanufactured tobacco exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Dominican Republic (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Nicaragua (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands amounted to +89.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Dominican Republic (+17.4% per year) and Nicaragua (+19.0% per year).

In value terms, the Dominican Republic ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for tobacco (unmanufactured) exports from Cameroon, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Nicaragua, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the Dominican Republic totaled +19.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+78.3% per year) and Nicaragua (+17.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average unmanufactured tobacco export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 103% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a noticeable slump. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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 Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($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 Dominican Republic (+1.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Imports

Imports into Cameroon

In 2022, overseas purchases of tobacco (unmanufactured) were finally on the rise to reach X tons after seven years of decline. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 326%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco imports amounted to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, recorded a noticeable descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 340% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Senegal (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of unmanufactured tobacco to Cameroon, accounting for a 69% share of total imports. Moreover, unmanufactured tobacco imports from Senegal exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Gabon (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Senegal amounted to -8.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Gabon (+9.4% per year) and Indonesia (+21.4% per year).

In value terms, Senegal ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tobacco (unmanufactured) to Cameroon, comprising 97% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Indonesia ($X), with a 1.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Senegal totaled -4.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Indonesia (+30.9% per year) and Gabon (+4.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average unmanufactured tobacco import price amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 4.1% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

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 Senegal ($X per ton), while the price for Gabon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Indonesia (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform