President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports, including a 10% baseline tax on goods from all countries, have placed Ghana at the center of growing concerns over the global trade war’s impact on vulnerable economies.
The tariffs, aimed at addressing U.S. trade deficits and boosting domestic manufacturing, are expected to disrupt international markets and strain Ghana’s fragile economic recovery.
Ghana imports a significant share of goods from the U.S., including machinery, vehicles, and refined petroleum products. With U.S. exports to Ghana valued at $99.1 million in October 2024 (REUTERS), the tariffs are likely to increase costs for businesses and consumers in Ghana, driving inflation and raising operational expenses across key sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and construction.
Rising global fuel prices, due to disruptions in the North American oil trade, could further exacerbate these challenges by increasing energy costs.
Additionally, Ghana’s strong trade relations with China—its largest import partner—could face indirect repercussions, as retaliatory measures between the U.S. and China disrupt supply chains and reduce investment flows.
A weakened Chinese economy may also diminish demand for Ghanaian exports like cocoa, gold, and oil, thereby impacting government revenues.
Experts warn that the tariffs could lead to price hikes for imported goods such as vehicles, electronics, and construction materials, while fluctuations in global commodity markets may affect Ghana’s food production and export earnings.
The broader uncertainty surrounding the trade war also risks deterring foreign direct investment in Ghana and reducing remittances from the diaspora in North America.
As global markets adjust to Trump’s aggressive trade policies, Ghana faces significant challenges that require urgent action.
Diversifying trade partnerships through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boosting local production are seen as critical steps to shield the economy from external shocks.
