The United States has lifted the 15% tariffs previously imposed on cocoa and several other agricultural exports from Ghana, in a decision expected to deliver major relief to local producers and exporters.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a Facebook post on Monday, November 24, 2025. He explained that the tariff reversal—effective November 13—follows a new executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the Minister, U.S. authorities have formally communicated the update, confirming that the removal applies not only to cocoa beans but also to a range of Ghanaian exports, including cashew nuts, avocado, banana, mango, orange, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and several varieties of peppers.
The decision is expected to provide a significant boost to Ghana’s cocoa sector. Ghana exports approximately 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the U.S. each year. With spot prices hovering around $5,300 per metric ton, the tariff removal could yield an additional US$60 million (about GHS 667 million) annually for the economy.
Ablakwa welcomed the development, emphasising that Ghana and the United States remain committed to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing mutual economic interests.
The initial tariffs stemmed from a July 31 executive order by President Trump imposing 15% reciprocal duties on several countries, including Ghana. The decision sparked concern among Ghanaian exporters, especially within the cocoa industry—one of the country’s most critical sources of foreign exchange.
Ghana strongly opposed the measure. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi described the tariffs as unfair, stressing that the U.S. does not produce cocoa and therefore should not impose such duties on Ghana’s exports.
Trade experts say the episode highlights the importance of deepening intra-African trade, particularly through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to reduce vulnerability to external market shocks.
