In March 2024, Cameroon witnessed a significant reduction in its banana exports, amounting to 14,208 tons, marking a 26% decrease from the previous year. This decline was largely attributed to the reduced export volume by Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), the leading exporter, which saw a 35.4% decrease to 10,174 tons. Additionally, Boh Plantations Plc and Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) experienced drops in their export volumes by 17.5% and 2%, reaching 788 tons and 2,475 tons, respectively. The introduction of Compagnie des Bananes de Mondoni (CDBM) to the market in June 2023 did not counteract the overall downward trend, with CDBM exporting 771 tons in March 2024, marking its third-largest shipment since inception despite the overall declining trend.
The Cameroon Banana Association (Assobacam) has not specified the reasons behind the continued decrease in exports, which follows a 25% year-on-year increase in January 2024. This situation has led to speculation among industry experts, especially given that previous concerns over drought conditions do not align with the current export data. Bananas are a significant non-petroleum export for Cameroon, primarily to European Union countries. The country aims to elevate its annual production to 500,000 tons by 2030, from the current 210,000 to 240,000 tons, as part of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND 20-30) to enhance export capacities and economic growth.
Source: businessincameroon.com