Cameroon: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in Cameroon

After two years of growth, the Cameroonian sweet potato market decreased by X% to $X in 2023. Overall, the total consumption indicated a temperate increase from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, consumption increased by X% against 2019 indices. Sweet potato consumption peaked at $X in 2022, and then shrank in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in Cameroon

In value terms, sweet potato production expanded slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, posted a slight expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in Cameroon dropped to X tons per ha in 2023, leveling off at the previous year. In general, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the yield increased by X% against the previous year. The sweet potato yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, 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.

In 2023, the total area harvested in terms of sweet potatoes production in Cameroon contracted to X ha, declining by X% on 2022. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of X%. The sweet potato harvested area peaked at X ha in 2022, and then contracted slightly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Cameroon

Sweet potato exports from Cameroon surged to X tons in 2023, jumping by X% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports posted a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato exports skyrocketed to $X in 2023. In general, exports posted a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Equatorial Guinea (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from Cameroon, with a X% share of total exports. Moreover, sweet potato exports to Equatorial Guinea exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Gabon (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Central African Republic (X tons), with an X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume to Equatorial Guinea amounted to X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Gabon (X% per year) and Central African Republic (X% per year).

In value terms, Switzerland ($X), Central African Republic ($X) and the United States ($X) constituted the largest markets for sweet potato exported from Cameroon worldwide, with a combined X% share of total exports.

The United States, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the average sweet potato export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by X% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average export price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2022, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Equatorial Guinea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Switzerland (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Cameroon

In 2022, the amount of sweet potatoes imported into Cameroon stood at X kg, approximately mirroring the year before. Overall, imports saw a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports stood at $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of X%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X kg) was the main supplier of sweet potato to Cameroon, with a approx. X% share of total imports.

From 2014 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Brazil was relatively modest.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to Cameroon.

From 2014 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Brazil was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average import price decreased by X%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Brazil.

From 2014 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the Netherlands amounted to X% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform