Cameroon’s import of aluminium plates, sheets and strips during 2019-20 reflects remarkable demand; 32% downfall estimated for 2021

As per the global standard, the aluminium industry considers: “Aluminum from 0.008 inches to less than 0.25 inches thick is considered sheet. Thinner aluminium is foil and aluminium 0.250 inches and thicker is plate. Strips are sheets that are machined into units with smaller width for specific applications.”

Cameroon's market-based, diversified economy features oil and gas, timber, aluminium, agriculture, mining and the service sector. The country has a mixed economic system that incorporates a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation.

Cameroon being a part of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), imported 27,314 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and strips during 2019-20 and the expenditure counted for the import was $53.06 million.

In 2019, the Central African nation imported 9063 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and strips and the expenditure occurred for the import accounted for $19.76 million, whereas, in 2020 the country observed demand growth that drove import to surge by 101.37%, as the import volume climbed to 18,251 tonnes and the expenditure also jacked up to $ 33.30 million.

The import for 2021 is analysed with a downfall of 32.62%, as the import volume is estimated to plunge and remain at 12,296 and the expenditure to stand at $26.29 million.

The major trading destinations for Cameroon’s import of aluminium sheets, plates and strips are Belgium, China, France, India, Spain, etc.