The Ghanaian government has reassured the private sector of its commitment to addressing the recently imposed 10% universal tariffs by the United States on imports from Ghana and other countries. The US announced the tariffs on April 2, 2025, effective April 5, 2025, with goods already in transit exempted. Additional reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% will target over 50 countries starting April 9, 2025.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry is engaging relevant stakeholders to assess the tariffs’ impact on Ghana’s economy and develop strategies to mitigate the effects. Many Ghanaian exports to the US currently enjoy duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Certain products, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and energy products, are exempt from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. The US remains a vital destination for Ghana’s key exports, such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewelry, shea butter, fruits, vegetables, yams, and cashews.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the private sector is well-informed on the details of the imposition to avoid trade disruption as well as ensure predictability of investment decisions in the country,” the Ministry stated. To address the situation, the Ministers of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs will meet with the US Ambassador to Ghana on April 7, 2025.
