President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that the Government of Ghana is in advanced negotiations with the United States over a 15% tariff recently imposed on Ghanaian exports.
The tariff, introduced under an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31, 2025, has sparked concerns among exporters and policymakers, particularly as it threatens the competitiveness of Ghana’s goods in the U.S. market.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, President Mahama said discussions are also focused on securing a renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expired on September 30.
“Negotiations are ongoing with regard to the trade tariffs of 15% and the renewal of AGOA, which was a zero percent tariff on African nations, and so those negotiations are still ongoing,” the President stated.
Enacted in 2000, AGOA granted duty-free access to the U.S. market for thousands of products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana. The policy enabled Ghana to export about US$340 million worth of goods under preferential status before its expiration.
The sectors most affected by the lapse of AGOA and the imposition of the new tariff include cocoa derivatives, cashew, shea butter, textiles, and gold jewellery — all of which are key foreign exchange earners for the country.
President Mahama assured stakeholders that government is committed to protecting Ghanaian trade interests and will continue diplomatic engagements to secure favorable terms.
Source – My News Ghana
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