Ghana risks 10% to 100% tariffs on exports to US under Trump’s threats as it moves to join BRICS

Ghana's pursuit of BRICS partnership has sparked questions regarding its potential exposure to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially informed India's External Affairs Minister of Ghana's decision to become a BRICS partner, aiming for full membership in the future.

Ablakwa emphasized that Ghana maintains its non-aligned stance, guided by the nation's interests rather than any specific bloc. The interest in joining BRICS predated the current administration, with a 2023 ministerial committee recommending the move to broaden Ghana's development partnerships, attract investment, and support industrialization.

Four of Ghana's top five export destinations in 2025—United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, and China—are BRICS members, with Switzerland being the exception.

Trump's threats towards BRICS countries intensified in November 2024, when he warned of imposing a 100% tariff if the group established a new currency or supported an alternative to the US dollar. This warning was reiterated on January 30, 2025, with Trump stating that any country aligning with BRICS' "anti-American policies" would face an additional 10% tariff.

The 100% threat specifically targeted the creation of an alternative currency, while the 10% threat applied more broadly to actions perceived as anti-American. These distinct conditions imply that the specific tariff rate would depend on the nature of the actions taken by BRICS countries, rather than being automatically applied based on membership.