Donald Trump slaps fresh 15% tariff on Ghana, Nigeria, and other African countries

US President Donald Trump, has officially imposed a 15 percent tariff on a number of African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar.

This means Ghanaian goods entering the US will be subject to a 15 percent duty, raising export costs significantly.

This development was announced in a statement released by the White House on Thursday July 31, 2025, as part of the latest phase of Trump’s protectionist trade policy.

In addition to the 15 percent tariffs on African nations, the US imposed steeper duties on other countries; South Africa and Libya face a 30 percent tariff, while Tunisia will face a 25 percent duty.

The new tariffs also extend beyond Africa, with the United Kingdom facing a 10 percent tariff, India 25 percent, and Japan 15 percent.

This move by the US government follows an Executive Order signed on April 2, 2025, titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates.”

The order directed adjustments to import duties based on what the Trump administration described as "unfair trade practices" and imbalanced market access for American exports.

According to the Executive Order, “These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m.”

The move is likely to affect Ghana’s exports, depending on how the new tariffs align with existing trade agreements

The government is, however, yet to issue an official response to the latest development.

MA