The 17% decline has led to a significant reduction in the volume of imported maize, with the bill plummeting by 85% from 3.9 billion to 600 million FCFA. The application of customs duties set at 5% for ordinary rice and 20% for luxury varieties is promoting the commercialization of national stocks. The depreciation of the naira and restrictions imposed by Abuja authorities are also retaining a significant portion of crops on the Cameroonian market. However, the temporary abundance of grains on the domestic market is causing a decline in farmers' revenues, as they are deprived of their usual outlets in West Africa.

The increase in customs duties will encourage private investors to create grain processing units in production basins. The reduction in the import bill is strengthening the foreign exchange reserves deposited with the sub-regional central bank. The maintenance of stocks on national territory is preventing the risk of immediate shortages in major urban centers.

The instability of farmgate prices is weakening the treasury of family farms in the northern region. The unexpected contraction of cross-border trade flows is disrupting the functioning of rural distribution networks. The lack of modern storage infrastructure is forcing village groups to sell their crops at a loss during periods of overproduction.


Nlend Flore

Tags: céréales cameroun importations économie agriculture commerce douanes riz naira marché