Good news as Ghana gains trade advantage from U.S. tariff policy

Ambassador Palmer made it clear that some of Ghana’s most important exports — such as oil and gas — are not affected at all by the new U.S. tariffs.

This is a major relief for the country, as oil remains one of Ghana’s top foreign exchange-earners. The fact that this sector is exempt from the U.S. tariff adjustment means that Ghana can continue to enjoy the financial benefits of exporting petroleum products to the American market.

“Oil and gas, which is being a major exporter to the U.S., is not subject to the U.S. tariff,” she confirmed.

This exemption means Ghana’s energy sector can breathe a little easier, at least for now.

How Ghana Can Use This to Its Advantage

The Ambassador urged Ghana to take full advantage of this short-term window of opportunity. According to her, with Ghana’s relatively lower tariff rate, the country stands a good chance of attracting more U.S. buyers who may now want to avoid sourcing goods from higher-tariff countries.

“There were 60 countries where U.S. tariffs were much higher than 10%, which may be an advantage for Ghana in the near term,” she stated.

In simpler terms, what she means is this: American companies that used to buy from countries like Vietnam, Pakistan, or Indonesia might now turn to Ghanaian suppliers instead, because Ghana’s goods are cheaper to import due to lower tariffs.

This could benefit Ghana’s farmers, factories, exporters, and even small businesses that are involved in processing or trading goods for the global market.

A Call to Action: Engage U.S. Lawmakers

But this opportunity may not last forever.

Ambassador Palmer reminded Ghanaian authorities that this current tariff system will expire in September 2025, and so Ghana must act quickly if it wants to keep its advantage or even improve upon it.

She encouraged Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) to start engaging with American lawmakers before the tariff window closes.

“I hope that Ghana will be the one making that point to the American legislature when it expires at the end of September,” she said.

She emphasized that diplomatic engagement and lobbying could help Ghana secure long-term favourable trade terms, and possibly negotiate even lower tariffs in the future.

What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

For those who might be wondering, a tariff is a tax placed on imported goods. When Ghana sells goods to the U.S., the American government may add a tax at the port, making those Ghanaian goods more expensive to American buyers.

So, if Ghana faces a low tariff, it means Ghanaian products become cheaper in the U.S. market. That makes them more competitive compared to products from other countries with higher tariffs.

That’s why the 10% rate Ghana is facing now — compared to 47% and 63% for other countries — is seen as a strategic advantage, especially for export growth and job creation at home.

Opportunities for Ghanaian Businesses

This development opens many doors of opportunity for Ghanaian businesses, both big and small. Here are some sectors that could benefit:

Agriculture: Ghana’s cocoa, mangoes, pineapples, cashew nuts, and vegetables may now become more attractive to U.S. importers.

Textiles and Garments: Ghana can now export more kente, batik, and sewn clothing under relatively better tariff terms.

Processed Foods: From chocolate bars to cassava chips, Ghana’s food processors can now target the American market more aggressively.

Handicrafts and Arts: Beads, woodwork, leather bags, and handmade accessories could also gain more attention from U.S. buyers looking for cheaper alternatives to other countries’ expensive crafts.

But to benefit from this, Ghana must ensure:

Improved quality control of export goods.

Faster processing times at ports and borders.

Better packaging and branding.

Stable power supply and logistics systems to meet demand.

Ambassador Palmer’s Farewell Advice

As she prepares to leave her post as the U.S. envoy to Ghana, Ambassador Palmer’s parting message is filled with encouragement and hope.

She sees Ghana not just as a trading partner, but as a country with untapped economic potential that can rise to become a major player in African and global commerce — if it makes the right moves now.

“This is Ghana’s chance to stand out,” she seemed to say between the lines. “Seize it while it lasts.”

Her remarks were also a friendly challenge to Ghanaian leadership: take this advantage seriously, push for long-term trade deals, and empower local businesses to scale up for export.

Conclusion: Ghana Must Move Fast

With the U.S. tariff regime set to expire in September 2025, time is of the essence. Ghana must act fast to position itself as the most reliable trade partner in West Africa.

If done right, the country can secure millions of dollars in exports, create thousands of jobs, and even attract new factories and investors into its growing industries.

This isn’t just a trade opportunity. It’s a chance for Ghana to boost its economy and lift more citizens out of poverty through exports.