The Government of Ghana has announced that it has received formal confirmation from the United States regarding the complete removal of the 15% tariff previously imposed on Ghana’s cocoa and selected agricultural exports. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shared the update in a Facebook post on Monday, November 24, 2025, noting that U.S. officials conveyed the decision directly to Ghana’s Mission in Washington, D.C.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the policy reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, following the signing of a new Executive Order by U.S. President Donald Trump. The measure effectively rescinds a tariff introduced under the Trump administration, which had placed significant financial strain on Ghana’s cocoa exports to the American market.
The rescission covers not only cocoa but a wide range of Ghanaian agricultural products, including cashew nuts, avocados, bananas, mangoes, oranges, limes, plantains, pineapples, guavas, coconuts, ginger, and assorted peppers. Government officials estimate that with Ghana exporting an average of 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the U.S. annually—at a spot price of about $5,300 per metric ton—eliminating the tariff could yield an additional $60 million (approximately GHC 667 million) in revenue each year.
The government has welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major boost to one of Ghana’s most strategic export sectors. The U.S. remains the world’s largest importer of chocolate and cocoa products, making tariff-free access particularly critical for Ghana’s export earnings and market competitiveness. Mr. Ablakwa added that Ghana and the United States are committed to strengthening cooperation and advancing mutually beneficial economic relations in the years ahead.
Source: William Narh
