This represents a year-on-year increase of approximately 28,700 m3. The central bank estimates Cameroon's timber production at 5.19 million m3 in 2024. This upswing in timber production is projected despite a tightening of tax regulations in the forestry sector. From 2017 to 2023, the Cameroonian government progressively increased the log export tax rate from 18% to 60%, representing a 343% relative increase in taxation on log exports over six years, as stipulated in various finance laws. Cameroon increased log export taxes to 75% in 2024, aiming to boost local wood processing industries by discouraging raw exports. The government aims to discourage raw log and sawn wood exports, promoting instead the establishment of second- and third-stage wood processing industries in Cameroon. To achieve this goal, while exports are heavily taxed, incentives are introduced to create more value-added in the local forestry industry. The 2023 finance law exempts taxes on equipment used for wood processing. Additionally, two industrial zones dedicated to local wood processing, covering 224 hectares, were made available to forestry operators in the Eastern region. The results of these government measures are yet to be seen.

Christelle koambi.