Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
The government, through the ministries of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, will hold talks with the US Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, April 7, 2025, regarding the recent 10% tariff restriction imposed on Ghana by the US government.
The US announced on April 2, 2025, that a 10% tariff would be applied universally on imports from all nations, including Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.
However, goods already in transit before the effective date will be exempt.
In addition to the universal tariffs, reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% will take effect on April 9, 2025, targeting over 50 countries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the recently imposed 10% universal tariffs by the US on imports from Ghana and other countries, assuring the private sector, especially exporters and investors, of the government’s swift response to the situation.
“The Ministry, as a matter of urgency, is also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent of the effect and assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy. Furthermore, various strategies are under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade,” the statement said.
Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade agreement between the United States and eligible African nations like Ghana, most Ghanaian exports have traditionally enjoyed duty-free, quota-free access to the US market.
However, on April 2, 2025, the United States announced a significant shift in trade policy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on imports from all countries, including Ghana, effective April 5, 2025. Notably, goods already in transit before the tariff’s imposition will be exempt from these new charges.
For Ghana, the US remains a key market for critical exports such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewelry, shea butter, and horticultural products like yams, fruits, vegetables, and cashews.
“With these exports at stake, the government is committed to keeping the private sector informed and prepared, ensuring there are no disruptions to trade and that investment in Ghana continues with predictability and confidence,” the Ministry said.
SP/MA
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