The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has urged the government to publicly address the 10% tariff imposed by the United States on Ghanaian imports, calling it a significant blow to businesses and the economy.
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| The Importers & Exporters Association calls for government action on US tariffs impacting Ghana’s trade |
This new tariff policy, implemented on April 2, 2025, by US President Donald Trump, is part of a broader global trade strategy, but it has sparked concerns among Ghanaian exporters, who fear reduced trade volumes and job losses.
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Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the association, emphasized that this tariff hike could have far-reaching consequences.
🗣 “This could lead to a reduction of exports to the US. If businesses cannot supply goods due to increased costs, they will struggle to maintain their employees, leading to job losses,” he warned.
Awingobit stressed the urgency for the Ghanaian government to step in and clarify its position on the new tariffs, urging immediate diplomatic engagement to address the situation.
According to Awingobit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a presidential spokesperson must issue a formal statement on the matter, considering its implications for international relations.
🗣 “The Government of Ghana should come out to speak because this has to do with international relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to make a statement, or the President’s spokesperson must address the public.”
He further expressed hope that the government would take proactive measures to negotiate better trade terms with the US and protect Ghanaian exporters.
The US remains a key trading partner for Ghana. In 2024, the total value of goods traded between the two countries reached $2.1 billion. However, the US trade deficit with Ghana grew to $204.4 million, marking a 73.3% increase from 2023.
Despite concerns over the tariff, US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, downplayed its potential negative effects.
🗣 “Ghana remains an important trading partner. There are key exports like gold and gas coming from here, and in return, Ghana benefits from US goods such as automobiles and pharmaceuticals. Trade between our countries builds prosperity, and that will continue,” she reassured.
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Looking Ahead
While the US maintains that Ghana remains a crucial trading partner, local businesses remain worried about the economic impact of the new tariffs. Stakeholders are now looking to the Ghanaian government for a clear strategy to address the situation, protect exporters, and sustain strong bilateral trade relations.
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