Exporters of cocoa and some agricultural products to the United States market can now heave a sigh of relief as the Donald Trump Administration has officially removed the 15% import tariffs previously placed on Ghana’s cocoa and a number of other agricultural products.
This decision can be described as a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough for Ghana. The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Monday morning.
The Minister, in his announcement, noted that US authorities have formally notified the government that the tariff reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, following a new Executive Order signed by President Trump. American diplomats in Accra also confirmed the development.
The scrapped tariffs covered Ghana’s cocoa beans, which serve as the backbone of the country’s agricultural exports, as well as cashew, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and different types of peppers.
These products will now enter the US market duty-free.
“The United States Administration has officially informed the Government of Ghana that President Trump’s 15% imposition of tariffs on Cocoa and certain qualifying agricultural products from Ghana has been rescinded,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in his announcement.
“US diplomats confirm to me that the 15% tariff reversal came into effect on November 13, 2025, following President Trump’s new Executive Order. Other agricultural products from Ghana now exempted include cashew nut, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger, and assorted peppers,” he added.
For many farmers and exporters across Ghana, this decision could bring real relief. The 15% tariff had made Ghanaian products less competitive, forcing some exporters to absorb losses just to keep their US customers.
With the barrier now gone, analysts say Ghanaian produce will regain its edge on supermarket shelves and in food manufacturing plants across the United States.
The United States is one of the world’s largest importers of chocolate and cocoa-based goods, meaning Ghana’s cocoa, already prized for its quality, has a massive market to grow into.
As indicated by the Minister, the tariff reversal sends a strong signal that Ghana’s trade relationship with the US is back on a positive path.
He further described the move as a welcome and encouraging step, stressing that Ghana looks forward to deeper cooperation with the US across trade, agriculture, and investment.
