Move boosts Ghana’s revenue prospects and marks a diplomatic win for Accra
Ghana has officially received confirmation from the United States that the 15 percent tariff previously imposed on its cocoa and certain agricultural exports has been fully lifted, the country’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Monday.
The tariff rollback, a holdover from the Trump administration, comes at a sensitive moment in Ghana–US relations, following Ghana’s acceptance of dozens of deported West Africans on humanitarian grounds and the subsequent lifting of US visa restrictions for Ghanaian travellers.
“The United States administration has officially informed the Government of Ghana that President Trump’s 15% tariff on cocoa and certain qualifying agricultural products has been rescinded,” Ablakwa said in a post on X. He added that the reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, under a new Executive Order.
The Trump-era tariff had sharply increased the cost of Ghanaian produce in the US market, creating a barrier for exporters. Ghana ships an average of 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States annually. At the current market price of $5,300 per metric ton, the minister said Ghana could now earn an additional $60 million annually thanks to the tariff removal.
Broad Agricultural Impact
The exemptions extend beyond cocoa to include cashew nuts, avocados, bananas, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, coconuts, ginger, and peppers. Ablakwa described the move as a positive step for bilateral relations, noting the US is the world’s largest importer of chocolate and cocoa products.
“Ghana welcomes this development and looks forward to forging closer and mutually beneficial relations with the United States,” he said.
Economic and Diplomatic Significance
Analysts hailed the decision as a significant diplomatic and economic win. Accra-based economist Daniel Amateye Anim-Prempeh said:
“It’s a win-win for both countries. The cocoa sector, the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy, stands to benefit the most from improved access to the US market.”
As the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, Ghana relies heavily on export revenues to support its currency and fund public spending. The tariff removal is expected to provide a meaningful boost to the country’s agricultural earnings and strengthen economic ties with Washington.
About the Author
