The introduction of reciprocal tariffs of 15% by the United States in August 2025 has disrupted Cameroon’s exports to the U.S. market, cutting export revenues despite an increase in shipment volumes.
According to a market report by Cameroon’s National Shippers’ Council, exports to the United States between August and November 2025 rose in volume to 14,588 tons, up from 12,959 tons over the same period in 2024, representing an increase of 12.6%. However, export revenues over the same period fell sharply to CFA38.3 billion, down from CFA46.0 billion a year earlier, a decline of 16.6%.
The downturn was driven mainly by cocoa paste, Cameroon’s leading export product to the U.S. market. Volumes of cocoa paste shipped fell from 6,804 tons in 2024 to 6,119 tons in 2025. In value terms, revenues from cocoa paste exports dropped by 19.7%, from CFA43.1 billion to CFA34.6 billion.
The report shows that the average unit price of cocoa paste declined from CFA6,343 per kilogram to CFA5,665 per kilogram, a contraction of 10.6%. The Shippers’ Council attributed the price drop partly to the impact of the new U.S. tariffs, which have reduced the competitiveness of Cameroonian products and forced exporters to adjust prices to maintain market access.
Other key Cameroonian exports to the U.S., including sawn timber and natural rubber, were also affected by the tariff measures, contributing to the overall fall in export earnings. While shipment volumes held up, exporters faced lower prices and tighter margins as buyers passed on part of the tariff burden.
The council warned that if the tariff regime remains in place, Cameroon could face sustained revenue losses in the U.S. market, even if volumes continue to grow. It noted that the situation underscores the vulnerability of export earnings to trade policy shifts and highlights the need for greater market diversification and value addition to reduce exposure to external shocks.
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