3 ministries to engage US ambassador over 10% tariffs

The Government of Ghana is taking swift diplomatic steps to respond to the recent imposition of a 10% universal tariff by the United States government on all imports, including those from Ghana.
In response, the Ministers of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Finance, and Foreign Affairs will meet with the US Ambassador to Ghana on Monday, April 7, 2025.
A proactive diplomatic and economic engagement will be crucial in protecting national trade interests and maintaining stability in its export sector.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the engagement aims to discuss the implications of President Trump’s Executive Order, which was announced on April 2 and takes effect on April 5.
The order imposes a flat 10% tariff on imports into the US from all countries, including those that benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA benefits at risk
Ghana, a beneficiary of AGOA—a nonreciprocal preferential trade agreement that allows duty-free, quota-free access to the US market—exports a wide range of products to the US, including apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, root crops such as yam, as well as cashew, fruits, and vegetables.
The new tariffs threaten the competitive edge these exports enjoy in the American market.

Wider tariff measures announced

In addition to the 10% universal tariff, the US administration has also imposed reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% on over 50 countries.
These will take effect on April 9, 2025. However, the Executive Order exempts certain critical products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, energy, and critical minerals.
Goods that are already in transit to the United States as of April 5 will not be subject to the new tariffs.

Govt assures stakeholders
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has assured the Ghanaian private sector—especially major exporters and investors—that the government is committed to minimizing trade disruptions and ensuring predictability in investment decisions.
“In light of these developments, the Ministry, as a matter of urgency, is also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent of the effect and assess the full impact of the US tariffs on Ghana’s economy,” the statement read.

Mitigation strategies underway
The government is currently considering a range of strategies to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade and economy. These efforts are aimed at cushioning exporters and safeguarding the long-term interests of Ghanaian businesses operating in the international market.