The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry are expected to continue engaging with United States authorities on how to mitigate and alleviate the effects of the 10% tariff imposed on Ghanaian exports to the US market.
This development follows a meeting held in Accra on April 7 between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer.
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, along with other officials, were also present at the meeting.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Ambassador honoured an invitation from the Foreign Affairs Minister to discuss the recent tariff imposition, which took effect on April 5, 2025.
The statement indicated that the 10% tariff was not specifically targeted at Ghana but forms part of measures by the US to address significant trade imbalances with its global partners.
It was further noted that the tariff is being enforced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).
The ministry also noted that some Ghanaian exports, such as oil, gas, and other energy-related products, are exempted from the tariff. However, goods exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative are affected.
The discussions also explored the possibility of securing exemptions for other sectors, particularly cocoa and garments.
The statement added that parties agreed to work together to address the challenges posed by the tariff, including the risk of potential job losses.
