The imposition of trade tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to negatively affect Ghana’s export of various commodities across multiple sectors of the economy.
President Trump recently announced a 10% tariff on imports from Ghana, alongside sweeping new tariffs targeting nearly all U.S. trading partners.
China, for instance, has been hit with a 34% import tax, while goods from the European market face a 20% levy, measures that analysts warn could undermine key pillars of the global trade system and trigger broader trade conflicts.
The move is expected to impact global trade significantly, increasing the cost of both exports and imports.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com on April 4, 2025, the following Ghanaian industries may be severely affected:
Apparel Industry: Over 5,000 young workers depend on exports to the U.S. The new tariff threatens both jobs and profits in a sector that has long struggled to establish itself in international markets.
Cocoa Exports: Although raw cocoa beans enter the U.S. duty-free, processed cocoa products, such as powder and paste, which make up nearly 30% of cocoa exports, are likely to be affected by the tariff. This could discourage value addition in the sector.
Yams: A staple among Ghanaian exports to the U.S., yams currently benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, a 10% tariff could erode this advantage, making Ghanaian yams less competitive in American markets.
