Togo emerged as Cameroon’s second-largest source of imports in the second quarter of 2025, driven overwhelmingly by petroleum products, as Cameroon’s import flows remained highly concentrated among a small group of trading partners, according to data from the National Shippers’ Council of Cameroon (CNCC).
Imports recorded at the ports of Douala and Kribi between April and June 2025 showed that just 11 countries accounted for 69 percent of the total value of goods entering the country. China maintained its position as Cameroon’s top supplier with a 20 percent share, followed by Togo at 15 percent. India, Belgium and France each accounted for about 7 percent, the CNCC said.
While China’s dominance reflects its broad export base, recent shifts involving Togo and Nigeria were particularly notable, as both countries saw sharp increases in exports to Cameroon almost entirely due to petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals.
In the second quarter of 2025, Cameroon imported goods worth CFA167.39 billion from Togo, up from CFA127.66 billion in the same period of 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 31%. Import volumes also rose, climbing from 245,072 tonnes to 283,175 tonnes.
Petroleum products accounted for the bulk of this growth. Imports of petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals from Togo rose to CFA162.7 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up from CFA119.7 billion a year earlier, CNCC data showed. The category now dominates trade flows along the Togo–Cameroon corridor, underscoring Lomé’s growing role in Cameroon’s energy supply chain.
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Analysts say the rise reflects both regional trade dynamics and logistical advantages. Togo’s port infrastructure, particularly the port of Lomé, has increasingly positioned the country as a regional hub for the storage, blending and re-export of petroleum products across West and Central Africa.
“Togo’s role is less about crude production and more about distribution,” a regional trade analyst in Douala said. “Its port and storage capacity allow it to serve as a key transit point for refined petroleum products destined for neighbouring markets, including Cameroon.”
Cameroon remains heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum products, despite domestic refining capacity at the National Refining Company (SONARA), which has been operating below full capacity following a major fire in 2019 and ongoing rehabilitation works.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, posted the fastest growth rate among Cameroon’s major suppliers, although from a much smaller base. Imports from Nigeria jumped to CFA31.31 billion in the second quarter of 2025, from CFA6.99 billion in the same period of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 348 percent.
The surge was again driven by petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals. These products were almost absent from bilateral trade in the second quarter of 2024 but generated CFA21.4 billion in imports a year later. Import volumes from Nigeria nearly doubled, rising from 177,308 tonnes to 359,591 tonnes.
Despite the sharp increase, Nigeria accounted for just 3 percent of Cameroon’s total import value in the quarter, up from 1 percent a year earlier. CNCC data suggest the growth reflects a strong catch-up effect rather than a structural shift in Cameroon’s import profile.
“Nigeria’s growth is striking in percentage terms, but its overall weight in Cameroon’s imports remains limited,” the analyst said. “For now, it does not fundamentally change the hierarchy of suppliers.”
The data highlight the extent to which Cameroon’s import structure is shaped by energy needs. Petroleum products have become a key determinant of import values, exposing the country to price volatility and supply disruptions in regional and international markets.
Officials have repeatedly said reducing dependence on imported refined fuels is a strategic priority, pointing to plans to fully rehabilitate SONARA and expand storage capacity. However, progress has been slow, leaving Cameroon reliant on regional suppliers such as Togo to meet domestic demand.
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With global oil prices remaining volatile and regional logistics playing an increasingly important role, CNCC figures suggest petroleum trade will continue to influence Cameroon’s import patterns in the near term, reinforcing the strategic importance of regional energy corridors.
Background to Cameroon’s imports in Q2 of 2025
In Q2 2025, Cameroon’s imports remained highly concentrated, with a handful of countries and key commodities making up most of the value recorded at the ports of Douala and Kribi. China continued to be the largest supplier, accounting for roughly 20 percent of total import value, followed by Togo, India, Belgium and France among the top partners.
Petroleum products & energy dependence
Togo rose to become Cameroon’s second‑largest source of imported goods, primarily driven by petroleum oils and bituminous mineral oils, which surged year‑on‑year, underlining the importance of energy imports for Cameroon’s supply chain.
Food imports & food security
Cameroon also continued to depend heavily on food imports: the country brought in about 278,400 tonnes of wheat in Q2 2025, valued at over 45 billion CFA francs, representing increases in both volume and value compared with the same period in 2024. Wheat and other cereals (like rice) remain critical staples contributing to the import bill, reflecting ongoing food security challenges.
Goods mix shifts
Data shows that Cameroonian imports included significant volumes of automobiles and parts, steel products, and agricultural inputs, with Chinese imports rising by about 25 percent in value year‑on‑year. The increase in machinery and farm inputs highlights the country’s continued reliance on imported capital and intermediate goods.
Context within broader trade trends
While specific Q2 2025 totals for all imports are not yet fully published in aggregated form, national economic reports indicate that Cameroon’s overall import bill has been rising, reflecting broader structural dependence on external supplies for energy, foodstuffs, machinery and vehicles. Initiatives on import substitution — particularly in rice and staple cereals — are under discussion to reduce external dependency over time.
