Trades Ministry to engage US Ambassador on tariffs; assures swift action to avoid trade disruption

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry has assured the Ghanaian private sector, especially major exporters, investors and the general public of government’s commitment to engage the USA on the current imposition of tariffs on Ghanaian products.

The U.S. 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.

The tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), are said to address economic and national security concerns arising from the U.S.’s global trade deficits.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry on April 5, the swift action is necessary to avoid trade disruptions and investment decisions in the country.

“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.

“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 added.

According to the Ministry, most of the Ghanaian exports to the US market enjoy the duty-free quota free market access through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is a non- reciprocal preferential trade agreement between the USA and eligible African countries, including Ghana.

“The Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. These products include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products, and certain critical minerals.”

The Ministry said the US market provides a ready-made complementary market destination for several important priority export products from Ghana, such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, horticulture products including root crops (Yam), fruits, vegetables, cashew, etc.

As an immediate step, the Ministers of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance and Foreign Affairs will engage the US Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, 7th April,
2025.

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