10% tariff not to target Ghana but address trade imbalances — US Ambassador 

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has addressed concerns surrounding the recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian imports by her country.

US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on several countries, including a 10% tax on goods from Ghana.

The announcement also includes a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on products from the European Union—a move that has escalated global trade tensions.

Speaking during a meeting with Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and representatives from the Ministry of Trade on Monday, April 7, Ambassador Palmer clarified that the tariff does not maliciously target Ghana, but is part of efforts to correct trade imbalances.

“The Ambassador, however, informed that the tariff is being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA),” a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted.

She further explained that the 10% tariff excludes certain Ghanaian exports such as oil, gas, and energy-related products.

“The meeting additionally discussed the possible exemption of other sectors, particularly cocoa and garments. Both sides agreed to work together to mitigate challenges, including potential job losses,” the statement noted.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry pledged to continue engaging US authorities through bilateral and diplomatic means to reduce the impact of the tariffs on Ghanaian businesses and the economy at large.