The United States has officially announced the removal of the 15 % tariff on Ghana’s cocoa and other agricultural exports. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the U.S. administration informed Ghana that the tariff, which was introduced during President Trump’s tenure and took effect on 13 November 2025, has been rescinded under a new executive order.
The elimination of the duty is expected to boost Ghana’s economy, especially its cocoa sector, which underpins the country’s agricultural output. Ghana ships an average of 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States each year; at the current spot price of $5,300 per ton, the tariff removal could generate roughly $60 million in additional revenue annually. The exemption also extends to other Ghanaian products such as cashew nuts, avocados and bananas.
The timing of this development is notable in the context of recent Ghana‑U.S. diplomatic exchanges, including the reversal of visa restrictions on Ghanaian travelers and the handling of deportees. After years of tension over deportations and documentation compliance, the tariff removal is being hailed as a significant diplomatic win for Ghana. Analysts describe the move as a “win‑win situation” for both nations. Accra‑based economist Daniel Amateye Anim‑Prempeh emphasized that the cocoa sector will benefit most from improved access to the U.S. market. As the world’s second‑largest cocoa producer, Ghana relies heavily on export earnings to stabilize its currency and fund public spending.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister welcomed the decision, stating that the country looks forward to forging closer, mutually beneficial relations with the United States. With the U.S. being the world’s leading importer of chocolate and cocoa products, the tariff removal is expected to further increase trade between the two countries.
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