China has maintained its status as the largest source of Ghana’s imports in 2023, with total imports amounting to GH₵33.9 billion, up from GH₵26.4 billion in 2022.
This data comes from the Ghana 2023 Trade Report released by the Ghana Statistical Service.
Among the primary products imported from China were iron and steel, vehicles and automotive parts, chemical products, machinery, and electrical equipment.
Despite the increase in import value, China’s share of Ghana’s total imports slightly declined from 23.2% in 2022 to 22.5% in 2023.
The Russian Federation emerged as a significant contributor, entering the top five sources of imports and replacing the United Kingdom.
Imports from Russia mainly consisted of mineral fuels and oils. The Netherlands also remained a key player, with Ghana importing mineral fuels and oils worth GH₵17.3 billion.
India moved up the ranks to become the fourth-largest source of imports, with a total value of GH₵11.7 billion, while the United States of America (USA) settled into the fifth position with GH₵10.9 billion.
Ten products accounted for over a third of all imports, with the highest import values being diesel-automotive gas oil at GH₵27.1 billion, followed by light oils, motor spirit, and super at GH₵22.3 billion. Other significant imports included cement clinkers (GH₵3.2 billion), medium oils, kerosene, jet type fuels (GH₵2.8 billion), and cereal grains worked but not rolled or flaked (GH₵2.7 billion).
Additionally, second-hand vehicles with engine sizes ranging between 1,500cc to 3,000cc amounted to GH₵2.5 billion, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant growth regulators to GH₵2.3 billion, and self-propelled bulldozers with a 360-degree revolving substructure also to GH₵2.3 billion.
Semi-milled or wholly milled rice greater than 5kg or in bulk and shea nuts (karate nuts) each had an import value of GH₵2 billion.
Sea transport was the predominant mode of transport for these imports, constituting 89.1% of the total import value.
Road transport accounted for 6.1%, while air transport represented the smallest share at 4.7%.
The Ghana 2023 Trade Report highlights the continuing dominance of China as a key trade partner and underscores the significant role of maritime transport in Ghana’s import activities.
