Ghana recorded a significant trade surplus of GHS 148.3 billion (US$11.5 billion) in 2025. This figure represents more than three times the surplus achieved in 2024. Gold exports and expanding trade relations across global markets largely drove this strong economic performance.
The latest Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) confirmed these figures. 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 resulting trade surplus marks one of Ghana's best trade performances in recent years.
This robust trade surplus is crucial for Ghana's economic stability and growth. A positive trade balance means the country is earning more foreign currency from exports than it spends on imports. This helps to strengthen the Ghana cedi and build up foreign exchange reserves. The reliance on primary commodities, especially gold, however, underscores a long-standing structural feature of the Ghanaian economy. This dependence can expose the economy to global commodity price fluctuations.
Gold continued its dominance in Ghana's export basket, generating GHS 252.4 billion. This commodity alone accounted for nearly 63 percent of the country's total export earnings in 2025. Together with cocoa products and mineral fuels, these three commodities contributed 85.9 percent of Ghana's total exports during the year. This highlights Ghana's continued reliance on primary commodities despite ongoing efforts to diversify its export base.
Ghana also expanded its global trade footprint in 2025 by increasing the number of countries it traded with. The nation imported goods from 216 countries, an increase from 211 in 2024. Exports reached 163 countries, up from 155 in the previous year. Asia remained Ghana's largest trading region, reflecting growing commercial ties with Asian economies. Trade with African countries also remained favourable 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 during this period, driven by increased exports of cocoa products, cashew nuts, tuna, and shea products. Concurrently, food imports saw a slight decline, suggesting improved performance in some segments of Ghana's agricultural and agro-processing sectors. On the import front, China maintained its position as Ghana's largest source of imports in 2025, with imports from the Asian giant exceeding GHS 57 billion. Fuel products continued to account for a substantial share of the country's import bill. Diesel and petrol imports alone exceeded GHS 51 billion, underscoring Ghana's continued reliance on imported petroleum products despite domestic refining efforts.
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, stated that the figures in the 2025 Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report reflect the country's expanding participation in global trade. He added that the report also shows Ghana's growing export competitiveness, particularly within the African market. This official statement from the GSS provides authoritative backing for the reported trade performance.
Looking ahead, the report points to the critical role of commodity exports in sustaining Ghana's trade surplus. It also highlights opportunities for export diversification and value addition. These strategies are essential to strengthen the country's long-term trade resilience and reduce vulnerability to global market shocks. Policymakers will likely focus on initiatives to promote non-traditional exports and enhance local processing capabilities to build on this strong trade performance.