The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry says various strategies are under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Ghana’s trade and exports.
In a statement, the Ministry assured the Ghanaian private sector, particularly exporters and investors, of government’s readiness to engage the U.S. to avoid disruptions to trade and investment.
The Ministry added that stakeholders are currently being engaged to assess the full economic impact of the tariffs while government explores practical measures to protect Ghanaian interests.
This comes after the United States announced a 10% universal tariff on all imports, including those from Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.
Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Ghanaian products previously enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market.
However, the new tariff policy—announced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—threatens to undermine that advantage.
The Ministry noted that while some products, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy products, and certain minerals, are exempt, many of Ghana’s priority exports such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, cashew, yam, and horticultural products could be affected.
As an immediate step, a high-level government delegation comprising the Ministers for Trade, Finance, and Foreign Affairs will meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana on April 7 to begin diplomatic engagements.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the private sector informed to ensure predictability in trade and investment decisions.