The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana says the 10 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on all imports will “severely” affect Ghanaian exporters who benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Under AGOA, exporters of products, including textiles, apparel, agriculture, and handicrafts gain duty-free access to the U.S. market.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday, Mr Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary, Importers and Exporters Association, said the development would “create huge losses” for exporters who deal in non-traditional commodities.
Describing the tariff as “unfavourable,” he said businesses under the scheme may be forced to downsize their operations and that could lead to potential job losses.
“The increased tariff will make Ghanaian exports less competitive on the U.S. market, leading to a potential decline in demand and revenue for exporters,” he said.
On April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed export tariffs ranging from 10 to 50 per cent on Ghana and over 180 countries, citing a national emergency caused by foreign trade and economic practices.
President Trump said the move would protect American jobs and manufacturing. The new tariff will go into effect on April 5, 2025.
Mr Awingobit said the issue should not be left for exporters alone but must attract national concern and intervention due to its impact on trade and the economy.
He appealed to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to promptly engage all relevant stakeholders to analyse the full implications of the tariff increase on Ghana’s economy.
The Association also urged the Government to explore appropriate measures to mitigate the impact and seek diplomatic engagement with the United States Government to reconsider the policy.
“We also appeal to the Ghanaian government to take proactive steps to support the exporting community by providing incentives and relief measures to cushion affected businesses and entrepreneurs,” Mr Awingobit added.
-GNA
