Analysis of the Factors Affecting Coffee Export in Cameroon: A Gravity Model Approach

This study investigated the factors affecting coffee exports in Cameroon. For this purpose, we employed the gravity model. Considering the sample characteristics, the model was estimated with the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method. The main material of the study was a panel data set covering the years ۲۰۰۱-۲۰۲۱ for ten countries, Cameroon’s main coffee export partners. The findings show that the GDP of importing countries, coffee export prices, and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) positively influence exports, whereas distance, exchange rates, and Cameroon’s GDP have negative impacts. The results highlight Cameroon’s logistics infrastructure deficiencies and the significance of stable, high-quality production. The Cameroonian government should implement policies to improve production quality and efficiency by expanding agricultural extension services and offering farmers input and investment incentives to address these challenges. Additionally, improving port efficiency will necessitate the digitalization of operations, implementation of data-driven planning, and strategic infrastructure investments.

Keywords:

BITs , Exchange rate , Export price , FTAs , Gravity Model