Understanding Tea
Cameroon’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports
Tea, a cherished and timeless beverage enjoyed by people all over the world, has also been a notable player in Cameroon’s international trade. In 2021, Cameroon demonstrated its active engagement in the global tea market, serving as both an exporter and an importer of this aromatic and popular product.
Tea Exports from Cameroon
In 2021, Cameroon’s tea exports amounted to $23.7 thousand, positioning the country as the 133rd largest tea exporter globally. While tea may not have been the top export commodity for Cameroon, it still held a respectable position, ranking as the 345th most exported product from the country. Cameroon’s tea found its way to various destinations, contributing to the nation’s active participation in the global tea market.
Among the primary destinations for Cameroon’s tea exports were Canada, France, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland. Canada emerged as the leading recipient, importing tea worth $13.1 thousand from Cameroon. France followed closely behind with $3.97 thousand, while Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland also played significant roles, importing tea valued at $3.18 thousand, $2.16 thousand, and $628, respectively.
One interesting aspect of Cameroon’s tea export market was the notable growth observed in certain destinations between 2020 and 2021. Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Belgium were the fastest-growing export markets for Cameroon during this period. Canada, in particular, displayed remarkable growth with an increase of $11.4 thousand in tea imports from Cameroon. The United Arab Emirates followed suit with $2.16 thousand, while Belgium showed promising growth with $2.03 thousand in additional tea imports.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | South Africa | 57 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 2,160 |
| Asia | Cyprus | 25 |
| Asia | Thailand | 42 |
| Europe | Belgium | 3,179 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 628 |
| Europe | France | 3,966 |
| Europe | Ireland | 203 |
| Europe | Luxembourg | 70 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 335 |
| North America | Canada | 13,074 |
Tea Imports to Cameroon
In contrast to its tea exports, Cameroon’s tea imports were substantial in 2021, amounting to $11.4 million. This positioned the country as the 80th largest tea importer globally that year, with tea ranking as the 131st most imported product in Cameroon. The demand for tea within the country was evident, as Cameroon relied significantly on imports to satisfy domestic consumption.
China, a major tea producer, emerged as the primary source of tea imports for Cameroon, accounting for the majority of the import value. In 2021, Cameroon imported tea worth $10.6 million from China. India followed as a distant second, supplying $242 thousand, while France, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong also played significant roles in the tea import market, contributing $173 thousand, $159 thousand, and $108 thousand, respectively.
Similar to the export market, Cameroon’s tea imports also experienced remarkable growth in specific markets between 2020 and 2021. The United Arab Emirates, India, and Hong Kong were the fastest-growing import markets for tea in Cameroon during this period. Notably, Cameroon witnessed a substantial increase of $158 thousand in tea imports from the United Arab Emirates, followed by India with $46.6 thousand, and Hong Kong with $26.7 thousand.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Kenya | 96,042 |
| Africa | Senegal | 63 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 159,459 |
| Asia | China | 10,551,486 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 108,127 |
| Asia | India | 242,288 |
| Asia | Lebanon | 34,172 |
| Asia | Turkey | 9,491 |
| Europe | Belgium | 23,893 |
| Europe | France | 172,534 |
| Europe | Moldova | 201 |
Conclusion
Tea continues to be an essential aspect of Cameroon’s international trade, with the country actively participating as both an exporter and importer. While Cameroon exports tea to various countries, it relies significantly on imports to meet the domestic demand for this beloved beverage.
China, as a major tea-producing nation, plays a pivotal role in Cameroon’s tea trade, serving as the primary source of imports. Additionally, countries like India and the United Arab Emirates have also emerged as vital partners for both Cameroon’s tea exports and imports.
As Cameroon continues to engage in the global tea market, fostering strategic trade relationships and monitoring market trends will be crucial to leverage its position as a tea trader. With proper planning and sustained efforts, Cameroon can navigate the tea trade landscape effectively, promoting economic growth and sharing the joy of tea with its people and the world.
Data: BACI