The value of goods imported from China to Cameroon rose sharply in the second quarter of 2025, increasing by 25 percent year-on-year, driven by automobiles, steel products, and agricultural inputs, according to official customs data.
Total import volumes from China reached 492,013 metric tons, valued at approximately US$387 million, up from 438,218 tons worth US$310 million during the same period in 2024. The increase reflected not only higher shipment volumes but also changes in the composition and price of imported goods.
Automobiles and spare parts were the main contributors to the surge. Their value nearly doubled, climbing from US$23 million in Q2 2024 to US$45 million a year later. The trend underscores growing domestic demand for vehicles and related equipment, with knock-on effects for foreign exchange demand and distribution networks across Cameroon.
Steel products also saw a significant uptick. Imports of pig iron, iron, and steel reached US$77 million, compared with just US$19 million a year earlier. The spike reflects rising orders for construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects, sectors that heavily rely on steel. Analysts note that the increase could signal renewed momentum in Cameroon’s urban development and public works programs.
Agricultural inputs, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, rose modestly in value to US$29 million, up from $27 million in Q2 2024. The growth highlights the country’s continued reliance on imported crop protection products to maintain yields and ensure food security.
In terms of trade share, China remained the top source of imports to Cameroon, accounting for 20 percent of the total value of goods unloaded at the ports of Douala and Kribi. Togo followed with 15 percent, while India, Belgium, and France each accounted for 7 percent. Collectively, eleven countries represented 69 percent of Cameroon’s total import value during the quarter, reflecting the growing importance of regional and Asian trade partners in the country’s supply chains.
The data underscores China’s dominant role in Cameroon’s foreign trade while also pointing to a gradual diversification of sourcing. Regional partners such as Togo are gaining prominence, in line with the broader African Continental Free Trade Area objectives aimed at boosting intra-African trade.
Trade experts note that the increase in Chinese imports comes amid sustained infrastructure investment and industrial development in Cameroon. The surge in steel and automotive imports suggests that construction projects, road works, and vehicle fleet expansions are driving demand, while agricultural imports signal ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s farm sector.
The overall import trend has implications for Cameroon’s balance of payments and foreign exchange management. Higher imports of capital and intermediate goods support domestic production and investment but can also place pressure on currency reserves if not matched by export earnings. In 2025, Cameroon’s policymakers are expected to continue monitoring import dynamics to balance growth with currency stability.
Observers also highlight that while the rising share of Chinese goods demonstrates strong trade ties, Cameroon’s gradual diversification of suppliers may help mitigate supply chain risks and reduce overdependence on a single trading partner. The prominence of regional neighbors like Togo suggests that intra-African trade channels are becoming increasingly significant in meeting the country’s import needs.
As Cameroon continues to expand infrastructure, industrial capacity, and agricultural productivity, imports of critical materials and inputs from global partners such as China are likely to remain a key driver of economic activity. Officials expect that ongoing trade diversification, coupled with investments in local processing and value addition, could eventually rebalance the import-export equation and support sustainable growth.
