The United States has announced a major shift in its trade policy, imposing a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports, including those from Ghana.¹ This move, part of President Donald Trump's new trade policy, aims to counter foreign trade practices and protect American businesses from foreign competition.
The tariffs will require US importers to pay additional charges on goods from over 180 countries that do not have specific trade agreements with the US.
READ ALSO: West African Juntas Impose Levy on Imported Goods - A Wake-Up Call for Ghana
Ghana, along with other African nations like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, could see increased costs on exports such as cocoa, textiles, and raw materials destined for the US market. The move is expected to disrupt trade relations between the US and African economies, which have historically benefited from more open trade policies.
Trump argues that the tariffs are necessary to protect American businesses from foreign competition, retaliate against high tariffs imposed on US goods by other nations, and curb currency manipulation. However, critics warn that the tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices, economic instability, and strained diplomatic relations between the US and affected countries.
READ MORE: Ghanaian Farmer Sl@pped with GH₵4,800 Fine for Stealing 5 Sacks of Ginger
Here's how some African countries will be affected:
- Rwanda: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Sierra Leone: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Sudan: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Niger: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Equatorial Guinea: 13% (charges US 25%)
- Libya: 31% (charges US 61%)
- Guinea: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Chad: 13% (charges US 26%)
- Mali: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Mauritania: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Burundi: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Central African Republic: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Eritrea: 10% (charges US 10%)
- South Sudan: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Comoros: 10% (charges US 10%)
- São Tomé and PrÃncipe: 10% (charges US 10%)
- Guinea-Bissau: 10% (charges US 10%)
As the policy takes effect, African leaders, trade analysts, and businesses will be watching closely to assess how these sweeping changes will impact their economies in the months ahead.
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR QUICK NEWS UPDATE CLICK HERE TO JOIN