15% tariff on goods entering U.S from Ghana starts today, August 7

All exports from Ghana to the United States will be subject to a 15% tariff from today, August 7, significantly increasing the cost of doing business for Ghanaian exporters.

The U.S. government officially announced the new tariff policy on July 31, 2025.

Ghana is among several African countries affected, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar.

This new tariff means that Ghanaian goods entering the U.S. market will now incur a 15% import duty, potentially making them less competitive and putting pressure on export-driven businesses.

Exporters has warned that the impact could be devastating.

“This tariff, combined with the recent sharp appreciation of the cedi, is a double-edged sword. Export businesses are already struggling. If government doesn’t step in, some may collapse,” an exporter said.

He stressed that companies exporting to the U.S. play a critical role in driving Ghana’s economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.

In addition to the 15% tariffs on Ghana and other African nations, the U.S. has imposed even steeper duties on countries such as South Africa and Libya (30%) and Tunisia (25%).

Globally, the new tariff regime also affects major economies including China, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, Thailand, France, Malaysia, and others.

The move has sparked concern among exporters and trade experts, who fear the ripple effects on jobs, trade volume, and overall economic stability in affected countries.