Ghana achieved a substantial trade surplus of GHS 148.3 billion in 2025, according to data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This figure represents more than three times the surplus recorded in 2024, highlighting a significant improvement in the nation's international trade performance.
The GSS's 2025 Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report indicates that Ghana's total trade with the rest of the world reached GHS 654.7 billion. Exports amounted to GHS 401.5 billion, while imports stood at GHS 253.2 billion. This strong export performance was primarily fueled by higher earnings from key commodities: gold, cocoa, and petroleum products.
This impressive trade surplus fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of striving for self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external financing. A robust trade surplus can strengthen the Ghana cedi, improve foreign exchange reserves, and provide a more stable economic environment. It also reflects the country's efforts to boost production and value addition in its primary sectors, which are crucial for sustainable growth.
Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu presented the report's highlights, stating that exports consistently exceeded imports every month in 2025. He noted that December recorded the highest trade activity of the year, with exports reaching GHS 46 billion and generating a monthly trade surplus of GHS 25.8 billion. Dr. Iddrisu emphasized that the strong export performance was mainly due to increased earnings from gold, cocoa, and petroleum products.
The implications of this significant trade surplus are far-reaching. A larger surplus can help Ghana manage its external debt obligations more effectively and provide fiscal space for government investments in critical sectors. Decision-makers will likely monitor these trends closely to inform future trade policies and investment strategies. This positive trade balance could also attract more foreign direct investment, as it signals a healthy and productive economy.
Gold remained Ghana’s most dominant export commodity, generating GHS 252.4 billion and accounting for nearly 63% of total exports. Cocoa beans and cocoa products contributed GHS 56.2 billion, while crude petroleum generated GHS 35.3 billion. Together, these three commodities accounted for nearly 86% of Ghana’s total export earnings, underscoring the country's reliance on these few key products.
On the import side, diesel was the largest individual import product, valued at GHS 28.4 billion, followed by petrol imports at GHS 23.2 billion. Ghana also imported significant quantities of vehicles, machinery, cement clinkers, rice, and other food products. The concentration of imports in fuel and essential goods highlights ongoing domestic demand and industrial needs.
The report also indicated that Ghana expanded its trading footprint in 2025, importing from 216 countries and exporting to 163 countries, both higher than the previous year. Asia remained Ghana’s largest trading partner, with the United Arab Emirates, India, Switzerland, South Africa, and China being the top export destinations. China continued to be Ghana’s largest source of imports, supplying machinery, vehicles, iron and steel products, plastics, and chemicals.
Furthermore, the data revealed stronger intra-African trade, with Ghana recording a GHS 34.7 billion trade surplus with African countries in 2025. Ghana exported to 51 African countries and imported from 55 countries across the continent. This growth in regional trade aligns with efforts to boost economic integration within Africa and reduce dependence on traditional global markets.