US Ambassador stunned by 10% tariff on cocoa – Deputy Trade Minister

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Sampson Ahi, spoke about a new tariff. The United States has imposed a 10% tariff on Ghana’s cocoa exports. This decision surprised and concerned US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer.

Ahi discussed the tariff during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express. He met with Ambassador Palmer earlier that day. The Ghanaian delegation sees this tariff as unfair since the US does not produce cocoa.

Ahi questioned why the US would impose such taxes. He noted that tariffs should target commodities where countries have a competitive advantage. Since the US does not produce cocoa, he found the 10% tariff puzzling.

Ambassador Palmer shared her surprise at the situation. She suggested that cocoa could be exempted from the tariff if pursued further.

The Trump administration introduced this tariff as part of a broader trade strategy. Cocoa-producing nations have criticized it for harming their economies and global trade efforts.

Ghana is one of the top cocoa producers globally and relies heavily on this commodity for foreign exchange. New barriers to cocoa exports could significantly impact Ghana's economy and farmers' livelihoods.

Ambassador Palmer did not justify the tariff but recommended higher-level discussions between Ghana and the US. Ahi mentioned she suggested involving government leaders in these talks.

Palmer expressed confusion over why cocoa was included in the tariffs, given that the US does not produce it.

Ghana plans to respond collectively with other African cocoa-producing nations regarding these tariffs. Ahi indicated there are plans for dialogue under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He stated that African nations agreed to fight this issue together. On April 14th, AfCFTA will hold a meeting with African trade ministers to address this situation.