Okudzeto Ablakwa meets US Ambassador over imposition of 10% tariff

The Ambassador of the United States of America, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer today honoured an invitation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs,

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) to discuss the imposition of 10% tariff by the United States of America on Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.

The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry,  Sampson Ahi and other officials from his Ministry joined the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The US Ambassador indicated that the tariff did not maliciously target Ghana but was intended

to address the significant trade imbalances between the USA and its partners such as Ghana.

The Ambassador however, informed that the tariff is being imposed, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).

She further intimated that the 10% tariff imposition exempts some products like oil and gas,

and energy related products that Ghana exports to the United States.

 It emerged that products

exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative are affected.

The meeting additionally discussed the possible exemption of other sectors, particularly with cocoa and garments.

 Both sides agreed towork together to mitigate challenges including

potential job losses.

The Ministries of Foreign A ffairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would continue to engage the USA authorities on how to mitigate and alleviate the effect of the tariffs on Ghanaian businesses and the Ghanaian economy generally through bilateral and diplomatie means.

Ghana and the USA affirm their strong and cordial relations.