U.S. Lifts 15% Tariff on Ghana’s Cocoa, Cashews, and Bananas to Boost Trade
The United States has removed a 15% import tariff on Ghanaian cocoa and other key agricultural goods such as avocados, bananas, and cashews. The change took effect on November 13 and applies retroactively. Ghana’s government has welcomed the decision as a major boost for its export sector, particularly for its banana and cashew farmers. Earlier this year, the U.S. introduced a 10% tariff on Ghanaian products in April, which later increased to 15%, affecting exports of cocoa, cashews, avocados, bananas, and other produce. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the withdrawal of these duties. The exemption now covers a wide range of goods, including cashews, avocados, bananas, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, coconuts, ginger, and peppers. Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, relies heavily on the U.S. market, which is its biggest importer of chocolate and cocoa products. The removal of tariffs is expected to strengthen trade ties between the two countries, benefiting Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly its banana and cashew farmers, and removing financial barriers for American buyers of Ghanaian goods.
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