The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, has reassured Ghanaians that the recently introduced 10% tariff on exports to the U.S. will not significantly disrupt trade relations between the two nations.
The tariff comes as part of a broader shift in U.S. trade policy, which includes a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union. These measures, introduced by President Donald Trump, have sparked global trade tensions and drawn varied reactions from world leaders.
Speaking from the Rose Garden, President Trump defended the tariffs as a necessary response to what he described as years of economic exploitation. He framed the move as part of a national economic emergency aimed at protecting American manufacturing.
Despite concerns over the implications for Ghana, Ambassador Palmer emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Ghana trade partnership, which currently exceeds $3 billion in bilateral trade and investment. She expressed confidence that Ghana’s key exports, particularly gold and gas, would continue to thrive in the global market despite the new tariff adjustments.
“The life-saving programmes are all to be continued. The new face partnership will maintain all of the life-saving programmes. The US and Ghana have a very warm, close relationship, as you all know, and that is founded on four pillars.
“We have the historical and cultural. Also, more than $3 billion in bilateral trade investment is one of the key pillars. There are also goods and services; gold coming from here, gas coming from here, and we have automobiles and pharmaceuticals coming from the United States.
“So, it is something that builds prosperity in all the countries. It is all to say that no matter what the changes in language and no matter the change in focus, Ghana is really an important part of the United States and we will continue to be so,” she stated.
