Imports recorded at the ports of Douala and Kribi in the second quarter of 2025 remained highly concentrated, according to data from Cameroon’s National Shippers’ Council (CNCC). Eleven countries accounted for 69% of the total value of imported goods. China ranked first with 20%, followed by Togo at 15%, then India, Belgium, and France, each with 7%.
While China retained its position as Cameroon’s leading supplier, developments involving Togo and Nigeria stood out. In both cases, growth was driven almost entirely by petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, which have become a key determinant of import flows.
Togo rises to second place on petroleum products
In the second quarter of 2025, Togo emerged as Cameroon’s second-largest source of imports. The value of goods imported from the country reached CFA167.39 billion, up from CFA127.66 billion a year earlier, representing a 31% year-on-year increase. Import volumes also rose, from 245,072 tons to 283,175 tons.
This performance was largely driven by petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals. Imports in this category climbed from CFA119.7 billion in the second quarter of 2024 to CFA162.7 billion in the second quarter of 2025. These products accounted for the bulk of traffic from Togo, strengthening the role of this corridor in Cameroon’s energy supply.
Nigeria posts strongest growth, but remains marginal
Nigeria recorded the largest increase in import value among Cameroon’s main suppliers. Imports from the country rose to CFA31.31 billion in the second quarter of 2025, from CFA6.99 billion in the same period of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 348%.
The surge was mainly due to a sharp rise in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, which were almost absent from trade flows in the second quarter of 2024 but generated CFA21.4 billion in imports a year later. Import volumes nearly doubled, increasing from 177,308 tons to 359,591 tons.
Despite this rapid growth, Nigeria still accounted for only 3% of Cameroon’s total import value, up from 1% a year earlier. This reflects a strong catch-up effect, but one that has yet to significantly alter the overall structure of import origins.
Amina Malloum
