Ghana to engage US over new 10% tariff on April 7
The Ghanaian government has announced plans to urgently engage the United States over the newly imposed 10 per cent universal tariff on imports, including goods from Ghana, which took effect on April 5, 2025.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, the government assured exporters and investors of its commitment to resolving the issue to avoid trade disruptions. "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," the statement read.
The high-level meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, will involve the Ministers of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, who will discuss the implications of the tariffs with the US Ambassador to Ghana.
The tariffs, announced by the US on April 2, 2025, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), cite economic and national security concerns linked to global trade deficits. While the 10 per cent levy applies broadly, certain products—such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals—are exempt.
Ghana’s export sector, particularly under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), stands to be significantly affected. AGOA provides duty-free, quota-free access to the US market for key Ghanaian products like apparel, cocoa derivatives, shea butter, and horticultural goods. The government is exploring strategies to mitigate the immediate impact on these exports.
The Ministry emphasized its dedication to keeping the private sector informed, stating, "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."
