Ghana’s import bill surged to $17.5 billion in Q4 2025, up from $12.9 billion in Q3, driven largely by purchases of machinery, raw materials, and consumer goods as domestic demand remained robust.
Non-oil imports formed the bulk of the increase, climbing to $12.3 billion, from $9.1 billion in the previous quarter. These items, spanning industrial inputs, technology, and everyday essentials, continue to underpin Ghana’s economic activity. Oil imports rose more moderately, reaching $5.1 billion, compared with $3.7 billion in Q3.
At the same time, exports accelerated even faster, rising to $31.1 billion in the quarter. The result was a trade surplus of $13.7 billion, nearly doubling the $7.7 billion recorded in Q3.
The widening gap reflects how Ghana’s exports, led by gold, cocoa, and oil, are increasingly outpacing imports, helping to strengthen the country’s external position.
Throughout 2025, imports trended upward steadily. Quarterly totals rose from $3.7 billion in Q1 to $8.0 billion by mid-year, before accelerating in the second half.
Non-oil goods consistently made up more than two-thirds of the total, highlighting Ghana’s reliance on foreign industrial and consumer products to fuel growth.
While Ghana’s appetite for imports continues to grow, its export performance is keeping pace, widening the trade surplus and providing a solid foundation for economic stability heading into 2026.
