Cocoa
Ghana has welcomed a major trade policy shift by the United States following the rescission of a 15% tariff previously imposed on Ghanaian cocoa and several agricultural exports.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on Sunday that the U.S. Administration has officially notified the Government of Ghana of the tariff reversal, which took effect on November 13, 2025, through a new Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, U.S. diplomats confirmed that the decision eliminates the 15% duties earlier imposed on Ghana’s cocoa exports as well as a range of agricultural products including cashew nuts, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and assorted peppers.
The Minister said the policy shift has significant financial implications for Ghana, noting that the country exports an average of 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the U.S. annually. At the current spot price of US$5,300 per metric ton, he estimated that Ghana could gain an additional US$60 million (approximately GHS 667 million) each year as a result of the tariff removal.
Mr. Ablakwa described the development as positive for Ghana, especially given that the United States remains the world’s largest importer of chocolate and cocoa products. He added that Ghana looks forward to strengthening its longstanding economic and diplomatic relations with the U.S.
