Ghana achieves GHS 148.3 billion trade surplus in 2025

Gold exports drive record performance, tripling 2024 figures amid expanding global trade relations.

Ghana achieved a substantial trade surplus of GHS 148.3 billion (US$11.5 billion) in 2025. This figure represents more than three times the surplus recorded in 2024, marking a strong performance in international merchandise trade. This impressive outcome was largely propelled by robust gold exports and the country's expanding trade relations across global markets. Gold alone generated GHS 252.4 billion, making up nearly 63% of Ghana's total export earnings for the year. This commodity continues to be the single largest foreign exchange earner for the nation. The latest Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) confirmed these figures. The report indicated that Ghana's total trade value reached GHS 654.7 billion (US$52.5 billion) in 2025. Total exports amounted to GHS 401.5 billion (US$32.0 billion), significantly exceeding imports, which stood at GHS 253.2 billion (US$20.5 billion). This substantial trade surplus is one of Ghana's strongest in recent years, reflecting a positive shift in its balance of payments. The dominance of gold, alongside cocoa products and mineral fuels, underscores Ghana's continued reliance on primary commodities. These three categories together contributed 85.9% of the country's total exports during 2025. Ghana also broadened its global trade footprint in 2025, increasing the number of countries it traded with. The nation imported goods from 216 countries, up from 211 in 2024. Exports reached 163 countries, compared to 155 in the previous year, indicating a wider market reach. Asia remained Ghana's largest trading region, highlighting growing commercial ties with Asian economies. Trade with African countries also proved favorable for Ghana, with exports to the continent more than twice the value of imports from African nations. Ghana recorded a trade surplus of GHS 34.7 billion with African countries in 2025, reinforcing its position as a net exporter within Africa. Food exports experienced significant growth, driven by increased shipments of cocoa products, cashew nuts, tuna, and shea products. Concurrently, food imports saw a slight decline, suggesting improved performance in Ghana's agricultural and agro-processing sectors. On the import side, China maintained its position as Ghana’s largest source of imports, with goods from the Asian giant exceeding GHS 57 billion. Fuel products continued to constitute a substantial portion of the import bill. Diesel and petrol imports alone surpassed GHS 51 billion, highlighting Ghana's ongoing dependence on imported petroleum despite domestic refining efforts. Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, stated that these figures reflect Ghana's expanding participation in global trade and its growing export competitiveness, especially within the African market. The report emphasizes the critical role of commodity exports in sustaining Ghana's trade surplus. It also points to opportunities for export diversification and value addition, which are crucial for strengthening the country's long-term trade resilience. Decision-makers will need to focus on strategies that reduce reliance on a few primary commodities and promote a more diversified export base.

Ghana achieves GHS 148.3 billion trade surplus in 2025

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