The Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has praised the Government of Ghana, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for successfully securing the rescission of the 15% export tariffs previously imposed by the United States on Ghanaian cocoa and other agricultural products.
The tariffs, which affected cocoa, avocado, cashew nuts, mango, plantain, and other key exports, were lifted effective November 13, 2025.
Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of IEAG, described the development as a major victory for Ghana’s exporters, noting that the tariffs had threatened profit margins, production levels, and jobs in the export sector.
He emphasised that the reversal restores Ghana’s competitiveness in international markets and helps safeguard vital foreign exchange earnings.
Mr. Awingobit also highlighted that trade diversification efforts, including the recent Ghana–China zero-tariff trade agreement, played a role in reducing pressure on U.S. demand and encouraging the rescission of the tariffs.
While celebrating the success, IEAG urged the government to maintain momentum in trade diplomacy, strengthen the export ecosystem, and implement measures such as export credit guarantees and risk mitigation tools.
The association also called for efforts to diversify Ghana’s export base to reduce reliance on traditional commodities like cocoa, gold, and oil, which accounted for over 83% of total exports in 2024.
“This diplomatic achievement is a testament to persistent trade negotiations and strategic policymaking,” Mr. Awingobit said. “We remain committed to partnering with government to translate this opportunity into sustained export growth, value addition, and stronger foreign exchange inflows.”
The IEAG encourages all stakeholders, public and private, to capitalize on this moment to strengthen Ghana’s export-driven economy.