Cameroon: what does Turkey export there?

In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $97 million. The ten largest product groups made up 47.8% of that total, led by Cement; Iron Blocks; Hot-Rolled Iron Bars.

Cameroon: who are its main trading partners?

The three largest import partners are China, France, Republic of Congo. The three largest export partners are France, China, Italy.

Cameroon: what does the country import?

The three largest import products are Refined Petroleum; Ships; Rice. The three largest export products are Crude Petroleum; Cocoa beans; Sawn Wood.

Cameroon: how big is the economy?

Population 24 million, GDP $34 billion, and $1,447 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.556.

Cameroon: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?

The trade balance is -$1.61B in net imports.

Cameroon: which ports handle goods from Turkey?

The main ports are Douala, Kribi.

Cameroon: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?

Regulated products need a Certificate of Conformity from ANOR under the PECAE pre-shipment conformity programme, based on an inspection in Turkey. Sea shipments need an electronic cargo tracking note (BESC).

Cameroon: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?

Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Country Profiles

Cameroon

The Republic of Cameroon is located in Central Africa and it is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. The population of Cameroon is 24 million and its GDP is $34 Billion.

Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960 and completed its union with former British Cameroon in 1961. English and French are the official languages. Its capital city is Yaounde and its largest city is Douala, which has a large shipping port and approximately 10 million population. The country has faced civil unrest between English-speaking regions and French-speaking regions in 2017.

Cameroon’s main import and export partners are France and China. Cameroon has petroleum reserve and also has a forestry industry. The country is also specialized in producing cocoa beans and other cocoa products. It imports a wide range of products.

The international and commercial relations between Cameroon and Turkey accelerated after the visit of Cameroonian Presiden Paul Biya to Turkey in 2013. Since that year, multiple cooperation agreements have been signed, and there have been efforts to have a closer partnership. Turkish exports to Cameroon increased significantly in the last 10 years from $32 Million to $97 Million.

Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Cameroon with Turkey.

Four charts for Cameroon. Population rises from about 15 million in 2000 to 24 million in 2017. GDP grows steadily from about US$10 billion to US$35 billion. Total imports stay above exports, both between about US$4 and US$8 billion. Imports from Turkey peak near US$130 million in 2011 and end about US$95 million, above exports to Turkey at about US$60 million.

Turkey's exports to Cameroon in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.

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Country at a glance

Capital city: Yaounde
Official language: English / French
Population: 24 million
GDP: $34 billion
GDP per capita: $1,447
Human Development Index: 0.556

Top 3 import partners: China, France, Republic of Congo
Top 3 export partners: France, China, Italy
Top 3 import products: Refined Petroleum, Ships, Rice
Top 3 export products: Crude Petroleum, Cocoa beans, Sawn Wood
Trade balance: -$1.61B in net imports

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.

Cameroon: practical trade guide

What a shipment between Turkey and this market needs, how the goods get there, and what to settle before you sign.

Main ports: Douala, Kribi
Currency: Central African CFA franc (pegged to the euro) (XAF)
Trade blocs: AfCFTA, CEMAC, ECCAS
Trade agreement with Turkey: None in force: standard duties generally apply

Specific to Cameroon

Regulated products need a Certificate of Conformity from ANOR under the PECAE pre-shipment conformity programme, based on an inspection in Turkey.
Sea shipments need an electronic cargo tracking note (BESC).

The CFA franc's peg to the euro makes euro-denominated contracts simple to price.

Standard documents

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of origin issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce
Insurance certificate when the Incoterm includes insurance (CIF, CIP)

Before you sign

Check the counterparty: registration, activity and references
Match the payment structure to the risk: advance or partial payment, documentary collection or a letter of credit
Confirm whether your product needs a certificate or registration in this market before production starts

Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: confirm the current rules for your product with your forwarder, the buyer's customs broker or us before shipping.

Turkey's exports to this market

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.

2008

$32 million

Top 10 products account for 59.7% of the total.

2008
Product	Share of total
Pasta	12.9%
Iron Blocks	7.6%
Refined Petroleum	6.5%
Baked Goods	6.4%
Raw Iron Bars	6.1%
Yeast	5.2%
Hot-Rolled Iron Bars	4.6%
Cement	3.9%
Petroleum Jelly	3.5%
Soap	3.2%

2017

$97 million

Top 10 products account for 47.8% of the total.

2017
Product	Share of total
Cement	8.3%
Iron Blocks	7.4%
Hot-Rolled Iron Bars	5.6%
Insulated Wire	5.6%
Pasta	4.2%
Iron Gas Containers	4.2%
Buses	4.1%
Yeast	3.1%
Refined Petroleum	3.1%
Plastic Lids	2.2%

Frequently asked questions

Cameroon: what does Turkey export there?: In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $97 million. The ten largest product groups made up 47.8% of that total, led by Cement; Iron Blocks; Hot-Rolled Iron Bars.
Cameroon: who are its main trading partners?: The three largest import partners are China, France, Republic of Congo. The three largest export partners are France, China, Italy.
Cameroon: what does the country import?: The three largest import products are Refined Petroleum; Ships; Rice. The three largest export products are Crude Petroleum; Cocoa beans; Sawn Wood.
Cameroon: how big is the economy?: Population 24 million, GDP $34 billion, and $1,447 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.556.
Cameroon: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?: The trade balance is -$1.61B in net imports.
Cameroon: which ports handle goods from Turkey?: The main ports are Douala, Kribi.
Cameroon: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?: Regulated products need a Certificate of Conformity from ANOR under the PECAE pre-shipment conformity programme, based on an inspection in Turkey. Sea shipments need an electronic cargo tracking note (BESC).
Cameroon: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?: Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Other country profiles

Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets