Cameroon’s Coffee Exports: Italy and Germany Lead

Coffee traders and sourcing professionals often ask: which countries are the biggest buyers of Cameroon’s coffee? If you’re tracking global Robusta and Arabica flows, Cameroon may not be top of mind — but in the 2012/2013 harvest year, two European nations stood out as leading importers of Cameroon-grown beans.

In the 2012/2013 coffee season, Italy was the top destination for Cameroon’s Robusta coffee, importing 4,662 tons — 31.6% of the country’s total Robusta output. Germany, meanwhile, bought 57.2% of Cameroon’s Arabica production, making it the dominant Arabica buyer. These figures come directly from Cameroon’s national coffee authority.

Cameroon’s Top Robusta Export Markets

Diving into Robusta exports, Italy wasn’t the only European nation importing significant volumes from Cameroon. Portugal followed closely, bringing in 3,745 tons of Robusta — 25.4% of Cameroon’s total Robusta production. That made Portugal the second-largest Robusta buyer.

Other notable shifts occurred across the continent and beyond. Belgium’s imports dropped dramatically from 5,697 tons in 2010 to just 630 tons in 2013. Meanwhile, newer markets like South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Croatia, Georgia, and Serbia began importing increasing quantities of Cameroon’s Robusta coffee, reflecting growing diversification in demand.

Germany’s Dominance in Arabica Imports

When it comes to Arabica, the picture is more focused. Germany accounted for 57.2% of Cameroon’s entire Arabica coffee exports during the 2012/2013 harvest. This heavy reliance on a single market highlights Germany’s strategic role in sourcing Cameroonian highland-grown Arabica beans.

In the same period, South Africa and Algeria combined imported only 54 tons of Cameroon Arabica — a mere 2.1% of the total Arabica production. This contrast underscores the uneven distribution of demand between Cameroon’s two main coffee species.

Who Bought Cameroon Coffee in 2012/2013?

To sum up the 2012/2013 coffee export statistics from Cameroon:

• Italy: 4,662 tons of Robusta (31.6% of total Robusta)
• Portugal: 3,745 tons of Robusta (25.4% of total Robusta)
• Belgium: 630 tons of Robusta (a sharp drop from 5,697 tons in 2010)
• Germany: 57.2% of Arabica (leading Arabica importer)
• South Africa & Algeria: 54 tons of Arabica (2.1% of total Arabica)

Additional buyers of Cameroon Robusta included South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Croatia, Georgia, and Serbia — all showing rising import volumes during the period. Belgium’s steep decline in imports is also a key trend to note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country imported the most Robusta coffee from Cameroon in 2012/2013?

Italy was the largest importer of Cameroon’s Robusta coffee in the 2012/2013 season, buying 4,662 tons, which accounted for 31.6% of Cameroon’s total Robusta production.

How much Robusta did Portugal import from Cameroon during that season?

Portugal imported 3,745 tons of Robusta from Cameroon in the 2012/2013 season, making up 25.4% of Cameroon’s total Robusta output.

Why did Belgium’s Robusta imports from Cameroon drop so sharply?

Belgium’s imports fell from 5,697 tons in 2010 to just 630 tons in 2013, a significant reduction that reduced its once major role in Cameroon’s Robusta exports.

Which country bought the most Arabica from Cameroon in 2012/2013?

Germany imported the largest share of Cameroon’s Arabica coffee in 2012/2013, taking 57.2% of the total Arabica produced.

How much Arabica did South Africa and Algeria import from Cameroon?

South Africa and Algeria together imported 54 tons of Cameroon Arabica in 2012/2013, which was only 2.1% of the total Arabica production.

Which other countries started importing more Cameroon Robusta?

Countries including South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Croatia, Georgia, and Serbia began importing increasing amounts of Cameroon’s Robusta during the 2012/2013 coffee year.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Cameroon Comparisons

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