What Is the Export Trend of Cameroon Coffee in Terms of Volume and Value?

Cameroon continues to see its Robusta output fall, decreasing to 165,000 bags in coffee year 2021/22, down 34.3%. With area harvested holding steady around 114,000-118,000 hectares in 2015-2020, the downturn is due a combination of factors including the age and low productivity of coffee plantations, the youth’s disinterest in coffee farming, the exhausting work required, and more lucrative offers in other sectors.

The main reason for the decline in Cameroon's coffee exports is that farmers are increasingly switching to cocoa production, which is more profitable. Cocoa is also less labor-intensive than coffee, which is another advantage for farmers.

The export trend of Cameroon coffee in terms of volume and value has been declining in recent years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 19,700 metric tons of coffee worth USD 31.6 million. In 2021, the export value remained practically unchanged, while the volume decreased to 18,900 metric tons. In 2022, the export volume increased to 20,000 metric tons, but the value decreased to USD 24.2 million.

Despite the decline in exports, Cameroon remains a significant producer of coffee, with a reputation for high-quality beans. The country's coffee is typically Arabica, which is known for its smooth flavor and aroma. Cameroon's coffee is exported to a variety of countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.