The 15 percent tariff imposed on exports from Ghana to the U.S starts today August 7, 2025.

U.S government announced the imposition of the tariff on July 31, 2025.

The tariff affects African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho and Madagascar.

By this, Ghanaian goods entering the U.S will be subject to a 15 percent duty, raising export costs significantly.

A basket exporter to the U.S and Chief Executive of Trade Aid, Nicholas Aponkerah told Joy Business the tariff could collapse Ghanaian businesses that mainly export to the U.S.

He recounted that the recent sharp appreciation of the cedi has already affected exports.

“This tariff situation coming together with the recent sharp appreciation of the cedi is a double sword situation. There is an urgent need for government to intervene to address the challenges”, he pleaded.

He stated that businesses that export to the U.S heavily contribute to the economic gains of the country.

Other countries affected

In addition to the 15 percent tariffs on African nations, the US also imposed a steeper conditions on other countries including, South Africa and Libya which face 30 percent tariff. Tunisia face 25 percent duty.

Globally, the tariffs also affects a number of countries including Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, Japan Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India ,Italy ,United Kingdom, Switzerland, Thailand , France Malaysia among others.