Cameroon High Court: Customs Duties on Imported Rice Cut Food Import Bill by 17%

• Cameroon's food import bill decreased by CFA11 billion (17%) due to lower rice and corn imports.
• Rice imports fell significantly, with a 5% increase in customs duties for ordinary rice and 20% for premium categories.
• Corn imports declined sharply, from CFA3.9 billion in the first quarter of 2025 to CFA600 million in 2026 (85% drop).
• The reduction may ease pressure on Cameroon's external food bill, but sustainability remains uncertain.

The decline is mainly due to rice, thanks to the expansion of cultivated areas since 2024 and higher customs duties.

According to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on August 7, 2026, Cameroon has managed to cut its food import bill by CFA11 billion, representing a notable 17% decrease. This reduction is largely attributed to a significant drop in purchases of rice and corn from abroad. The value of food imports fell to CFA54 billion from CFA65 billion, indicating a substantial shift in the country's external food bill.

The decline in rice imports is particularly noteworthy, with the INS attributing much of it to the expansion of cultivated areas since 2024 and higher customs duties. Import duties rose by 5% for ordinary rice and 20% for premium rice categories, making imported rice relatively more expensive while supporting domestic production.

The increase in customs duties on imported rice is a key factor contributing to the decline in food imports. The measures aim to make imported goods more expensive, thereby promoting domestic production and reducing reliance on international supplies. This development may require lawyers advising clients with business interests in Cameroon to monitor the impact of increased customs duties on imported goods, particularly rice and corn, and advise clients on potential compliance exposures related to trade regulations.

The National Institute of Statistics (INS) has cautioned that while the decline in food imports is significant, its sustainability remains uncertain. The INS emphasized that the reduction does not stem solely from sustained growth in domestic production but also from a decrease in international demand for Cameroonian exports.

The reduction in food imports is expected to ease pressure on Cameroon's external food bill, although its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. The decline in rice and corn imports could reduce the country's dependence on some international supplies, potentially leading to a more stable food market. However, the INS has warned that the decline may not be sustained if domestic production does not continue to grow or if international demand for Cameroonian exports fluctuates.

This development may require lawyers advising clients with business interests in Cameroon to monitor the impact of increased customs duties on imported goods, particularly rice and corn, and advise clients on potential compliance exposures related to trade regulations.

Source: Original reporting via National Institute of Statistics (INS) Cameroon Joint Monitoring Report