Banana Market Overview in Cameroon

In 2019, the Cameroonian banana market increased by % to $, rising for the third consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a buoyant expansion from 2007 to 2019: its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the market value increased by % year-to-year. Banana consumption peaked in 2019 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, banana production amounted to $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +% from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

The average yield of bananas in Cameroon amounted to tonnes per ha in 2019, flattening at 2018 figures. Overall, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of % against the previous year. The banana yield peaked at tonnes per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2019, 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 2019, approx. ha of bananas were harvested in Cameroon; increasing by % compared with the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +% over the period from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 with an increase of % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to banana production attained the peak figure at ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2019, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2019, banana consumption in Cameroon rose rapidly to tonnes, growing by % against the previous year. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +% from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 when the consumption volume increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, consumption reached the peak volume in 2019 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The value of the banana market in Cameroon rose sharply to $ in 2019, increasing by % against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated a resilient increase from 2007 to 2019: its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2019 figures, consumption increased by +% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the market value increased by % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Driven by increasing demand for banana in Cameroon, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +% for the period from 2019 to , which is projected to bring the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Over the period under review, imports of banana in Cameroon were negligibly small compared to the production volumes. Therefore, the share of imports in the total market was practically nonexistent, both in volume and in value terms. This situation has remained constant over the period under review, which means that domestic producers entirely meet the domestic demand for banana.

This tangible trade surplus reflects the fact that the market remains buoyed by domestic production, and the industry is highly incorporated into the global market, which is likely to continue in the medium term.