President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Ghana and China are on the verge of finalising a historic zero-tariff trade agreement aimed at boosting exports and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at the Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, President Mahama described the agreement as “an act of solidarity” and praised China’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with Ghana and the African continent.
According to the President, the agreement, expected to be signed by the end of October 2025, will open vast new markets for Ghanaian exporters, agro-processors, and manufacturers, providing a major boost to the country’s industrial growth and export diversification.
“China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to Ghanaian and African products signals the confidence in our partnership. It opens vast new markets for Ghanaian exporters, agro-processors, and manufacturers,” President Mahama stated.
Trade between Ghana and China has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, China’s exports to Ghana rose by nearly 46 percent, while Ghana’s exports to China increased by over 11 percent. President Mahama noted that these figures highlight a steadily expanding economic relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation.
“I’m happy to inform you that we reached an agreement in principle, and we have targeted the end of October to be able to sign off on the zero-tariff principle,” he added.
President Mahama also commended China for taking a leadership role at a time when global trade systems are facing challenges.
“We are all aware that the multilateral rules-based trading system is being upended by unilateral slapping of tariffs on different countries. This is a time for us to solidarize and to come together, and this initiative by China is very timely,” he emphasized.
The zero-tariff agreement is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s competitiveness on the international stage, particularly in agriculture, textiles, and value-added manufacturing. It will also deepen the two nations’ diplomatic and economic ties, positioning Ghana as a key player in Africa’s trade partnership with China.
As both nations prepare to seal the deal by the end of October, many observers believe this development could mark the beginning of a new era of balanced trade and industrial collaboration between Ghana and one of the world’s largest economies.
