THE GOVERNMENT of Ghana has launched urgent consultations after the United States abruptly imposed a 10% tariff on imports from all countries – including Ghana – effective April 5, 2025.
The move has raised concerns across Ghana’s export-driven sectors and prompted immediate diplomatic outreach.
The new tariff regime, announced by the U.S. government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), is part of a broader effort to address what it calls national security and economic risks stemming from global trade deficits. While goods already in transit are exempt, most Ghanaian exports entering the U.S. will now face additional costs – potentially threatening their competitiveness.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, government officials reassured exporters, investors and the public of their commitment to protecting Ghana’s trade interests. The Ministry is actively assessing the full impact of the tariff hike and considering measures to cushion affected businesses.
Ghana has long enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), exporting key products such as cocoa derivatives, apparel, gold jewellery, shea butter, yams, cashew nuts and fresh produce. The sudden tariff threatens to disrupt these established trade flows and unsettle investor confidence.
Notably, some goods – such as pharmaceuticals, copper, energy products and semiconductors – are excluded from the new tariffs. However, Ghana’s major export items do not fall under these exemptions.
To address the situation, the Ministers of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance and Foreign Affairs are scheduled to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, April 7, 2025. This high-level engagement is expected to explore possible exemptions or relief for Ghanaian products.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of keeping the private sector informed to help businesses make strategic decisions amid the shifting global trade landscape.
Source: Nationaltyme.com
