Ghana has secured a major trade breakthrough as the United States government has officially lifted a 15% tariff previously imposed on cocoa and selected agricultural commodities, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.
The reversal, communicated formally to the Government of Ghana, took effect on November 13, 2025, through a new Executive Order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The tariff was first introduced during Trump’s earlier presidency, placing additional costs on imports from Ghana.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the decision eliminates extra charges on several of Ghana’s critical export crops, including Cocoa, Cashew, Avocado, Banana, Mango, Orange & lime, Pineapple, Guava, Coconut, Ginger, Plantain & assorted peppers
Government estimates indicate that the removal of the levy on cocoa alone could generate an additional US$60 million (about GHS 667 million) annually, based on an average export volume of 78,000 metric tons and the current spot price of US$5,300 per metric ton.
Mr. Ablakwa in a Facebook post, described the announcement as “a significant economic boost, particularly for Ghana’s cocoa sector,” noting the importance of the U.S. as the world’s largest importer of chocolate and cocoa products.
He added that both countries will continue to deepen economic cooperation, emphasizing that the tariff relief reflects renewed engagement and “mutually beneficial diplomatic and trade relations” between Accra and Washington.
