Cameroon’s exports of household bar soap rose sharply in 2025, reaching 74,208 tons, up from 56,624 tons in 2024, according to the latest foreign trade report from the national statistics office. This represents an increase of 17,584 tons over one year, or 31.1%.

The surge in export volumes also boosted revenues for local soap producers. In 2025, the sector generated CFA52.9 billion, compared with CFA34.2 billion the previous year, an increase of CFA18.7 billion.

Nigeria remains one of the main export markets for these products. In 2023, household bar soap alone accounted for 68% of Cameroon’s exports to Nigeria, according to official data. This underscores the importance of the Nigerian market in driving the sector’s export performance.

The rise in international sales reflects the growing strength of Cameroon’s palm oil processing industry, which has expanded over the years with the installation of new refining and soap production facilities.

However, this growth continues to face a structural constraint: limited domestic palm oil supply. To keep production running, Cameroon relies on significant imports each year.

In 2023, for instance, alongside locally produced volumes allocated to manufacturers based on capacity, the government authorized imports of 200,000 tons of palm oil—a record level—aimed at securing supply for producers of refined oils and soap.

BRM