The removal of a 15% U.S. tariff on Ghanaian exports, imposed under the Trump administration in 2025, could deliver a targeted boost to the economy, with the biggest gains expected in value-added sectors such as agriprocessing, niche manufacturing and specialty food products.
U.S. goods and services trade with Ghana totaled an estimated $3.8 billion in 2024, down 5.3% from 2023. Total goods trade was $2.1 billion, with U.S. goods exports to Ghana rising 12.5% to $968.2 million, while imports from Ghana dropped 27.8% to $1.2 billion. This sharp fall in imports narrowed the U.S. goods trade deficit with Ghana to $205.7 million, a 73.1% decrease from the prior year. In services, the U.S. posted a $311 million surplus in 2024, an increase of more than 1,100%, as exports surged and imports declined.
While Ghana’s export profile is dominated by gold, oil and cocoa, commodities traded globally and less affected by single-market tariffs, the U.S. duty has weighed heavily on smaller exporters selling into competitive American niches. If lifted, the tariff’s removal could see order books rebound, supporting rehiring and investment in affected industries. The restored flow of dollar receipts would also offer modest relief to the cedi and Ghana’s external balances.
Some U.S. buyers howerver, might permanently shift sourcing during the tariff period, limiting the pace of recovery. Structural constraints, such as high logistics costs, energy challenges and limited production capacity, could further slow momentum, while global commodity prices will continue to influence Ghana’s trade balance more than tariff changes alone.
Government could amplify the benefit by extending trade finance to affected exporters, streamlining port and customs operations, and accelerating value-addition in cocoa, cashew and other agricultural supply chains. Diversifying export markets beyond the U.S. is also seen as key to cushioning the economy from future trade disputes.
While ending the U.S. tariff would be a welcome development for many Ghanaian exporters, its broader economic impact will hinge on whether Ghana can turn regained market access into lasting competitiveness.
