US Lifts 15% Tariffs on Ghana’s Cocoa and Agricultural Exports — Ablakwa
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the United States has formally notified Ghana of the cancellation of the 15% tariff previously imposed on cocoa and selected agricultural exports.
According to the minister, US diplomats confirmed that the reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, following the signing of a new Executive Order by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, November 24, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa explained that the tariff cancellation goes beyond cocoa beans and applies to several Ghanaian agricultural exports including:
- Cashew nuts
- Avocado
- Banana
- Mango
- Orange
- Lime
- Plantain
- Pineapple
- Guava
- Coconut
- Ginger
- Assorted peppers
Ghana exports an average of 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States annually. With the current world market price estimated at US$5,300 per metric ton, Mr. Ablakwa indicated that the removal of the tariff is expected to generate an additional US$60 million (about GHS 667 million) per year for Ghana.
He described the decision as a major boost, noting that the US remains the world’s largest importer of chocolate and cocoa products, making the tariff relief particularly impactful for Ghana’s cocoa economy.
The minister emphasised that Ghana views the development as a positive step and looks forward to strengthening bilateral diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
