• Cameroon’s export volumes to the United States rose 12.6%, but export value fell 16.6% between August and November 2025.

• Cocoa paste revenues dropped 19.7%, while average unit prices declined 10.6%.

• Exporters cut prices to offset U.S. 15% reciprocal tariffs introduced in August 2025.

Officials introduced the tariffs following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, and the measure has directly affected Cameroonian exporters.

Data from the National Shippers’ Council of Cameroon (CNCC) show that export volumes to the United States increased, but export values declined between August and November 2025. Export volumes rose from 12,959 tonnes in 2024 to 14,588 tonnes in 2025, representing a 12.6% increase. However, export value fell from CFA46.0 billion (about $83.6 million) to CFA38.3 billion, marking a 16.6% year-on-year decline.

Cocoa paste, Cameroon’s leading export to the U.S. market, absorbed most of the impact. Export volumes declined from 6,804 tonnes in 2024 to 6,119 tonnes in 2025 over the same period. Export revenues fell 19.7%, dropping from CFA43.1 billion to CFA34.6 billion.

Average unit prices contracted from CFA6,343 per kilogram to CFA5,665 per kilogram, representing a 10.6% decrease. The CNCC attributed the price decline to tariff-related adjustments, stating that exporters granted discounts to preserve access to the U.S. market at the expense of margins.

Decline in Export Value Added

Beyond cocoa, the data reflect a broader deterioration in the value added of Cameroonian exports to the United States and a weakening of competitiveness in a less favorable tariff environment. The CNCC outlined several adjustment levers for both companies and public authorities.

The Council recommended that exporters reduce reliance on the U.S. market by diversifying outlets for cocoa paste, sawn timber and natural rubber. It cited the Netherlands, Belgium and China as alternative destinations for timber, and Belgium and Malaysia for rubber.

The CNCC also urged exporters to capture opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by redirecting part of exports toward African markets where demand exists, including South Africa, Kenya and Morocco.

Finally, the Council identified accelerated local processing as the structural response to tariff shocks. Authorities and companies should prioritize finished goods with higher value added instead of exporting raw or semi-processed products in order to strengthen competitiveness and dilute commercial risk.

Frédéric Nonos (Business in Cameroun)