Ghana must safeguard local industries in China zero-tariff deal – Analyst
By Stephen Freeman
Economic Analyst Emmanuel Boateng has urged the Government to adopt a strategic and data-driven approach in finalising the proposed zero-tariff agreement with China, ensuring that the deal maximises economic benefits for Ghana while safeguarding local industries.
It will be recalled that during the 2025 China–Africa Summit, President John Mahama announced Ghana’s intention to enter into a zero-tariff access agreement with China by the end of October 2025.
The proposed deal is expected to provide duty-free access for Ghanaian goods to the vast Chinese market.
Reacting to the announcement in an interview on Business Breakfast on Zed FM, Mr Boateng emphasised the importance of a comprehensive trade roadmap that accounts for Ghana’s comparative advantages and export potential.
He warned that without proper due diligence and economic modelling, the agreement could inadvertently create an imbalanced trade relationship, favouring Chinese exporters at the expense of Ghanaian producers.
“Zero tariffs mean Ghana’s products can enter China’s market without extra taxes, and that means our goods will be cheaper and attractive to Chinese buyers. So, we are talking about export products like cocoa, cashew, shea butter and even manufactured products. On paper, it sounds great, but I think if we are only selling raw materials, we will not make much, and Chinese goods will also flood our markets and hurt ours,” Mr Boateng outlined.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of enhanced market access, Mr Boateng cautioned that failure to address structural trade imbalances and enforce safeguards could expose Ghana’s economy to a surge of low-cost Chinese imports, potentially overwhelming local manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.
“Trade liberalisation can be a catalyst for economic growth, but only when supported by a clear industrial policy. Ghana must approach this zero-tariff deal with a strong economic lens, protecting our value-added sectors while leveraging this opportunity to increase our export competitiveness in China’s market. China is looking for a new market because of its tension with the West, so we must negotiate with all hands on deck. We need policies that protect our locals whilst taking advantage of this deal,” he noted.
Mr Boateng further recommended that the Ministry of Trade and Industry engage all relevant stakeholders, including private sector actors, export councils and regulatory bodies, to design a robust implementation framework supported by export incentives and quality control systems.
