10% US tariff on Ghana exports moderate — Prof Baah-Boateng advises exporters to stay calm
An economist at the University of Ghana, Professor William Baah-Boateng, has described the 10 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on some Ghanaian exports as moderate, urging exporters and businesses to remain calm and strategise on how to go about it.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on April 5, 2025, Professor Baah-Boateng said the tariff was relatively low compared to what other countries had faced in trade disputes with the United States.
“We are not Canada, where they’ve been slapped with over 50 per cent. We are not China, where they have in excess of 50 per cent. We are not even Loto, which has been slapped with 50 per cent. We have 10 per cent. Let’s be sober so that we will not panic,” he advised.
The tariff, announced by the US government, affects a range of imports from Ghana and some other African countries. It has raised concerns among local exporters about possible increases in production costs and reduced competitiveness in the American market.
But Professor Baah-Boateng maintained that while the tariff could have some effect on exporters, it was not severe enough to warrant panic.
He urged the Ministry of Trade and Industry to provide timely and clear information to businesses and exporters to avoid misinformation and fear.
“I expect the Ministry of Trade and Industry to come in and assure us because they have the figures,” he said. “They will know the effect, whether it will be severe or not, and be able to assure exporters that there’s no cause for alarm.”
Professor Baah-Boateng also pointed out that Ghana was not the main target of the US tariff measures, which were directed largely at bigger economies such as China, Canada, and Mexico.
“From where I sit, I don’t think Ghana is the target. I think it’s the big players that are fighting, and we have to bear a bit of the brunt,” he said.
Beyond the immediate concerns over tariffs, Professor Baah-Boateng called on the government to address longstanding challenges that make it expensive for local businesses to produce goods for export. He identified delays at Ghana’s ports as one of the issues that increase production costs, arguing that faster clearance of goods could ease the burden on exporters.
He also cautioned against any rushed attempt to negotiate a bilateral free trade deal with the United States, noting that Ghana’s relatively small economy limited its bargaining strength.
“Remember Ghana is a very small country within the global trade space. If we come together within the AU [African Union], then it means we could command some kind of respect. But currently, if we go on an individual level, I don’t think we are,” he said.
Professor Baah-Boateng encouraged exporters and policymakers to stay calm and take a measured approach in dealing with the situation.
“Let’s be calm and let’s do what we are doing best. We will be able to overcome these challenges,” he said.