Cameroon’s exports to the United States have been disrupted following the introduction of 15 percent reciprocal tariffs in August 2025, driving a decline in export revenues despite rising shipment volumes, according to the country’s National Shippers’ Council.
Between August and November 2025, Cameroonian exports to the U.S. grew to 14,588 tons, up 12.6 percent from 12,959 tons during the same period in 2024. However, the total value of these exports fell 16.6 percent, from CFA46.0 billion to CFA38.3 billion, highlighting the effect of tariffs on profitability.
Cocoa Paste Leads Decline
The country’s leading U.S. export, cocoa paste, saw both volume and value declines. Shipments fell to 6,119 tons from 6,804 tons a year earlier, while revenues dropped 19.7 percent, from CFA43.1 billion to CFA34.6 billion. The average unit price per kilogram decreased 10.6 percent falling from CFA6,343 to CFA5,665.
The Shippers’ Council attributed the fall in value to exporters adjusting prices to offset the impact of tariffs while maintaining access to the U.S. market, effectively absorbing the tariff costs at the expense of profit margins.
“While volumes rose, exporters were compelled to reduce prices to stay competitive under a less favorable tariff regime,” the Council said.
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Broader Export Impact
Beyond cocoa paste, other key exports such as sawn timber and natural rubber also experienced a weakening in value added, signalling broader competitiveness challenges. Cameroon’s reliance on the U.S. market, combined with a shift in the global trade landscape, has placed the country’s exports under pressure.
The Council stressed the need for both corporate strategy adjustments and policy interventions to mitigate the effects of tariffs and diversify revenue streams.
Diversification as a Strategy
To reduce dependence on the U.S., the Shippers’ Council recommended identifying alternative export destinations. For timber, the Netherlands, Belgium, and China offer potential markets, while rubber could be redirected to Belgium and Malaysia.
Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to redirect part of Cameroon’s exports to African markets with strong demand, including South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco. Expanding intra-African trade could help Cameroonian exporters maintain revenue levels while mitigating risks from global trade disputes.
Local Processing Key for Competitiveness
The Council emphasized that the long-term structural response should focus on local processing to increase the share of finished products rather than exporting raw or semi-processed goods. By investing in domestic value addition, Cameroon can enhance competitiveness, capture higher margins, and diversify commercial risk.
“Accelerating local processing and producing value-added goods will help Cameroon better withstand global tariff shocks,” the Council said.
Policy Implications
The situation highlights the need for government support, including incentives for local manufacturing, quality improvement, and access to alternative markets. Exporters may also need guidance on leveraging AfCFTA provisions and establishing new trade partnerships to reduce exposure to external tariffs.
Cameroon’s cocoa, timber, and rubber sectors are critical to the national economy. Cocoa alone accounts for a significant portion of foreign exchange earnings, making tariff-induced revenue drops a key economic concern. The current trend underscores the importance of structural reforms in export strategy and industrial development.
As Cameroon navigates these challenges, the combined approach of market diversification, value addition, and regional trade integration could offer a pathway to stabilize export revenues and strengthen resilience against future international trade shocks.
