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A Complete Guide to Ghana's Top Exports and Global Trade

A Complete Guide to Ghana's Top Exports and Global Trade

Key Points:

  • Ghana's top exports include Gems, precious metals, Mineral fuels, including oil, cocoa ores, slag, ash, Fruits, nuts, Rubber, rubber articles, Animal/vegetable fats, oils and waxes.
  • Based on Ghana export data, the country's total export value for 2024 was GH?294.9 billion, or roughly USD 24.5 billion, leaving GH?44.7 billion in trade surplus.
  • The major Ghana trading partners are Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, the United States and China.
  • The top export companies in Ghana include Cocoa Marketing Company Ghana Limited.
  • Ghana manganese company limited, plot enterprise Ghana limited, unicom speciality commodities limited, and west african mills company limited

Ghana, a country on Africa's west coast, has a burgeoning export industry that is essential to its economic growth. In 2023, Ghana's imports and exports as a percentage of GDP totalled 38.7% (-4.5 pp YoY). A total of 13,670.8 current MUSD worth of goods were exported in 2023, compared to 18,396.5 current MUSD worth of goods imported. 

In comparison to the previous year, the growth rates were +2.2% and -13.2%, respectively. In terms of exports, Ghana's major exports include Gems, precious metals, Mineral fuels, including oil, Cocoa, Ores, slag and ash. In this blog post, we will explore the list of the top 10 of Ghana’s export products with statistics for each product. Along with Ghana trading partners, export and import in Ghana, export companies in Ghana and other key trends. 

How Much Does Ghana Trade with Africa?

Ghana has major trading partners in Africa, especially for imports and exports, including South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Togo, though exact total figures can vary by year and source.

Based on Ghana trade data, Ghana reported a GH?32.1 billion intra-African trade surplus in 2024 as opposed to GH?20.7 billion in 2023. 

With Burkina Faso (12.4%), Côte d'Ivoire (6.5%), and Togo (5.7%) accounting for more than one-fifth of Ghana's exports to Africa, South Africa (60.5%) is the country's top export destination within the continent. 

Egypt is the country with the second-highest import rate (15.3%), followed by Nigeria (15.1%) and Burkina Faso (13.1%).  Additionally, Ghana's total exports were valued at approximately $15.9 billion in 2023.


Source: https://statsghana.gov.gh/

Ghana Export Data: 2024-25

Did you know? Ghana's top exports during the 2024–25 period were mostly gold, cocoa beans, cocoa paste, and other vessels. Based on Ghana export data, the country's total export value for 2024 was GH?294.9 billion, or roughly USD 24.5 billion, leaving GH?44.7 billion in trade surplus.

Ghana Export Data: 2024-25

According to the export and import in Ghana statistics, the total amount of trade between January and December 2024 indicates a 1.4-fold rise, with the largest value (GH?60.2 billion) occurring in November. 

In 2024, exports increased more than imports in every month, with an average monthly percentage change of 4.5 per cent versus 3.7 per cent for imports. 


December had the largest trade surplus (GH?7.5 billion) in 2024, while May was the sole month with a deficit (GH?1.7 billion).

Ghana's total exports in 2023 came to $27.3 billion, placing it 71st in the world. From $21.7 billion in 2018 to $27.3 billion in 2023, Ghana's biggest export has increased by $5.66 billion during the last five years under consideration.

Now, explore the  major Ghana export products or major exports of Ghana:

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Ghana's Top Exports in 2025

The following Ghana export products represent the highest dollar value in global shipments during 2024.

Rank

Ghana’s Top Exports

Ghana export data

Export Value (US$)

Percentage of Total Exports

1

Gems, precious metals

$5.7 billion

36.20%

2

Mineral fuels, including oil

$4.2 billion

26.20%

3

Cocoa

$2.9 billion

18.10%

4

Ores, slag, ash

$664.9 million

4.20%

5

Fruits, nuts

$465 million

2.90%

6

Rubber, rubber articles

$224.9 million

1.40%

7

Animal/vegetable fats, oils, waxes

$202 million

1.30%

8

Aluminum

$161.2 million

1%

9

Meat/seafood preparations

$146.2 million

0.90%

10

Wood

$141.1 million

0.90%

The total value of Ghana's international shipments was made up of 93.1% of its top 10 exports.

With an increase of 81.8% from 2022 to 2023, rubber—both as a material and as products made from it—grew at the fastest rate among the top 10 export categories.

Ores, slag, and ash came in second for rising export sales, with manganese leading the way with a 68.2% increase. Wood shipments from Ghana saw the third-fastest value increase, rising 68%.

Major export of Ghana

It's time to take a quick look at Ghana's top exports:

  • Gems, Precious Metals

According to Ghana export data, Ghana is a major global player in the export of gems and precious metals, with gold being the most significant commodity. The country is one of Africa's leading gold producers, often competing with South Africa for the top spot. Gold exports are a crucial source of foreign exchange and are central to the Ghanaian economy. The government's Ghana Gold Board is the sole authority for regulating and exporting gold and other precious minerals, aiming to increase national revenue and ensure responsible sourcing.

  • Mineral Fuels, Including Oil

Since commercial oil production began in 2010, mineral fuels have become a key component of Ghana's top exports. The country's offshore oil fields, particularly the Jubilee Field, have been central to this growth. While oil prices can cause fluctuations in export value, the sector continues to be a vital source of revenue, supporting economic growth and development projects.

  • Cocoa

Ghana is the world's second-largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans, after Côte d'Ivoire. This sector is the backbone of the country's agricultural economy, supporting millions of farmers. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) regulates the industry and ensures the quality of Ghana's cocoa, which is renowned globally for its superior flavour.

  • Ores, Slag, Ash

The export of ores, slag, and ash is another important part of Ghana's mining sector. This category primarily includes industrial minerals like bauxite and manganese, which are extracted from the country's rich geological deposits. These exports contribute to Ghana's mineral-rich profile and support its position as a major resource-based economy in West Africa.

  • Fruits, Nuts

Ghana's agricultural sector also yields a variety of fruits and nuts for the export market. Pineapples, mangoes, and cashews are among the most prominent exports in this category. The country's favourable climate and fertile soil allow for the cultivation of high-quality produce, which is exported to markets in Europe and other parts of the world.

So, these are Ghana's major exports. Now explore the major Ghana trading partners. 

List of top Ghana Trading Partners

Ghana trading partners for both exports and imports reduced marginally between 2023 and 2024 - exports by three and imports by four.

Rank

Ghana trading partners

Ghana trade data

Trade Value (2023)

1

Switzerland

US$6.49 billion

2

United Arab Emirates

US$4.93 billion

3

India

US$2.29 billion

4

South Africa

US$1.85 billion

5

United States

US$1.75 billion

6

China

US$1.38 billion

7

Canada

US$855.5 million

8

Netherlands

US$664.1 million

9

Italy

US$621.4 million

10

Brazil

US$523.3 million

Ghana export products are primarily driven by commodities, with gems and precious metals accounting for over a third of its total export value at 36.2%.

Significant contributions also come from cocoa and mineral fuels, such as oil, which account for 18.1% and 26.2% of exports, respectively. Other noteworthy exports include rubber, fruits, and ores; taken as a whole, they show a trade profile that is largely dependent on natural resources that are raw or lightly processed. To know the statistics on Ghana's biggest export, Ghana export data, and Ghana trading partners, connect with our portal today. 

Top Export companies in Ghana:

Below is the list of export companies in Ghana:

  • Cocoa Marketing Company Ghana Limited
  • Ghana Manganese Company Limited
  • Plot Enterprise Ghana Limited
  • Unicom Speciality Commodities Limited
  • West African Mills Company Limited
  • Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd
  • Valan Exim Limited
  • Ecom West Africa
  • Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd
  • Miller And Marian Limited

How to Find the Ghana Buyers List or Export data?

If you would like the most up-to-date and precise information on the Ghana buyers list, Ghana's top exports, Ghana exports by country, or export companies in Ghana, please visit Seair Exim Solutions to get Ghana export data and a list of Ghana's top exports.

For the latest information on Ghana export products, major exports of Ghana, Ghana trade data, Ghana trading partners, and Ghana exports to India data, you should also start by browsing our export-import data bank. 

Seair Exim Solutions is among the top data-driven tools for analysing shipments from overseas. By providing a export import data of more than 130 countries, we make it simple for you to access information about international trade as well as Indian export and import data.

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Final Words!

So, the future of Ghana's top exports depends on utilising the recent expansion of business services, increasing export diversification to lessen dependency on primary commodities like oil, cocoa, and gold, and updating trade and customs processes. Exports of business services and gold have increased significantly in recent years, while exports of cocoa have faced difficulties.

Additionally, Ghana is well-positioned for future expansion in trade relations with its major trading partners as it keeps expanding its export base, encourages agricultural exports, utilises its oil and gas potential, and adopts sustainable practices. Moreover, if you still have any queries regarding statistics on Ghana’s top exports, Ghana export products, Ghana export data, or the Ghana trading partners, connect with Seair Exim Solutions today and schedule a free live demo!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Ghana's biggest export?

Ghana's biggest export includes Gems, precious metals, Mineral fuels, including oil, cocoa ores, slag, ash, Fruits, nuts, Rubber, rubber articles, Animal/vegetable fats, oils and waxes.

  1. What were Ghana's top 3 main trading products?

Ghana’s top 3 trading products are gold, cocoa, and oil

  1. What is Ghana's largest import?

Based on Ghana's import data, the largest import is mineral fuels and oils.

  1. Who is Ghana's biggest trading partner?

Based on Ghana trade data, the largest trading partner of Ghana is Switzerland, with a trade value of US$6.49 billion.

  1. What does India import from Ghana?

India is among the top trading partners of Ghana and is among the largest destinations for Ghanaian exports.

  1. What are the export opportunities from India to Ghana?

India has export opportunities to Ghana in several key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, vehicles, agricultural machinery, plastics, iron & steel, and textiles.


Ghana export products

Ghana's top exports: Gems

Ghana's top exports: Fruits

Ghana's top exports: Rubber

Major Trading Partners of Ghana

Ghana trading partners: USA

Ghana trading partners: India

Ghana trading partners: Brazil

  • Seair Exim
  • 08-Sep-2025

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