15% US Tariff on Ghanaian Exports Takes Effect
Effective August 7, 2025, Ghanaian exports to the United States will attract a 15 percent import tariff, following an announcement by the US government on July 31.
The tariff applies to several African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar. The policy move, which is part of Washington’s broader trade realignment strategy, significantly raises the cost of exporting to the US and threatens the viability of Ghanaian export businesses.
“This tariff situation coming together with the recent sharp appreciation of the cedi is a double sword situation. There is an urgent need for government to intervene to address the challenges,” said Nicholas Aponkerah, Chief Executive Officer of Trade Aid, a local basket exporter.
According to Mr. Aponkerah, the imposition of the duty could collapse export-dependent businesses, especially those with the US as their primary market. He noted that exporters are already grappling with the impact of a strong cedi, which has eroded the competitiveness of Ghanaian products abroad.
He added that businesses in the export sector remain vital to Ghana’s economic development, and called on the government to initiate diplomatic and policy responses to mitigate the effects of the tariff.
Tougher Terms for Others
While African nations face a 15 percent tariff, the US has imposed even steeper duties on other countries. South Africa and Libya will now pay a 30 percent tariff, while Tunisia faces a 25 percent rate.
Globally, the new tariff regime affects a wide array of countries including Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Thailand, France, and Malaysia.
The broader tariff measure reflects the US government’s intensifying efforts to reassert control over its trade policy amid growing geopolitical tensions and economic realignments.
