Cameroon: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Cameroon

The Cameroonian watermelon market contracted to $X in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% 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 2019 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Production in Cameroon

In value terms, watermelon production dropped slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a pronounced slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 92% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average watermelon yield in Cameroon amounted to X tons per ha, flattening at 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the yield increased by 11%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the average watermelon yield remained at a somewhat 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 harvested area of watermelons in Cameroon reduced to X ha, approximately reflecting 2021. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production reached the maximum at X ha in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Cameroon

After four years of decline, shipments abroad of watermelons increased by 2.8% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 481%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon exports amounted to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 304% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Slovakia (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from Cameroon, accounting for a 88% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to Slovakia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Gabon (X tons), eightfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Slovakia totaled +20.9%.

In value terms, Slovakia ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from Cameroon, comprising 76% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Gabon ($X), with a 14% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Slovakia totaled +11.9%.

Export Prices by Country

The average watermelon export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 50%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Gabon ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Slovakia stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Slovakia (-7.5%).

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Cameroon

After three years of decline, supplies from abroad of watermelons increased by 22% to X kg in 2022. Overall, imports, however, recorded a dramatic contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 91% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X kg in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a dramatic decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 120% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X kg) was the main supplier of watermelon to Cameroon, with a 91% share of total imports. Moreover, watermelon imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X kg), tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Brazil stood at +29.1%.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to Cameroon, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 20% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Brazil totaled +100.0%.

Import Prices by Country

The average watermelon import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 2.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 75%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 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 France ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+54.8%).

Source: IndexBox Platform