The United States has lifted the 15 percent tariffs placed on Ghana’s cocoa and several major agricultural exports. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development, noting that the reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, after a new executive order issued by President Trump.
Mr Ablakwa stated that American diplomats informed the government about the update. He explained that the revised policy now covers cocoa beans and a wide range of produce. The exempted items include cashew nuts, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and assorted peppers.
The Minister highlighted the major economic relief this decision will bring to Ghana’s export sector. Ghana exports about 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States each year. With spot prices averaging 5,300 dollars per metric ton, the tariff removal could generate an estimated 60 million dollars, equivalent to roughly 667 million cedis, in additional annual revenue.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana welcomes the policy shift. He noted that both countries will continue to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations.
The earlier tariff hike stemmed from a July 31, 2025, executive order issued by President Trump. That directive imposed a 15 percent reciprocal tariff on several countries, including Ghana. The decision raised concerns among exporters, particularly within the cocoa industry, which remains central to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings.
Ghana strongly opposed the measure. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi stressed that the country was ready to engage senior U.S. officials on the issue. He argued that the tariff was unreasonable, since the United States does not produce cocoa. Analysts said the situation highlighted the need for deeper African trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
