China Continues to Be Ghana's Top Importer, Supplying Goods Valued at GH₵50bn in 2024

Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reveals that China continues to be Ghana’s largest source of imports in 2024, with the total import value exceeding GH₵50 billion. This cements China’s dominant position as the primary trading partner for Ghana, as the country’s imports from China have significantly outpaced those from other nations. Following China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States emerge as the next biggest sources of imports, each contributing more than GH₵10 billion to Ghana’s import bill.

China’s influence as Ghana’s top import partner remains unchallenged. In 2024, the total import value from China soared to GH₵56.8 billion, marking a substantial increase from GH₵33.9 billion in 2023. This surge highlights China’s growing trade relationship with Ghana, with both nations continuing to deepen economic ties. The substantial rise in imports from China further solidifies its key role in supplying a wide range of goods to Ghana, spanning various sectors from machinery and electronics to construction materials and chemicals.

In the second position, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accounted for GH₵21.9 billion in imports, continuing to play a crucial role in Ghana’s trade network. The UAE’s contribution reflects its status as a major trading hub, with imports primarily consisting of mineral fuels and oils, which are vital for Ghana’s energy needs. This places the UAE in a strong position, not only for its oil and fuel exports but also as a trading partner for a variety of other goods.

The United Kingdom follows closely with GH₵19.0 billion in imports to Ghana. Like the UAE, the UK’s imports to Ghana also include significant amounts of mineral fuels and oils, alongside other industrial products. The UK’s continued presence as one of Ghana’s top import partners underscores the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries, strengthened further by historical ties and the UK’s global trade networks.

India and the United States also feature prominently among Ghana’s major import partners. India’s imports totaled more than GH₵10 billion, reflecting the country’s growing economic interaction with Ghana, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles. The United States, similarly, contributed over GH₵10 billion in imports, continuing its vital role as a supplier of high-quality goods ranging from technological products to medical supplies.

The composition of Ghana’s imports has also seen shifts in recent years. Notably, the Netherlands and Russia, which were once part of the top five sources of imports, have now been replaced by the UAE and the UK. This change highlights the dynamic nature of global trade patterns, with new trade routes and partnerships emerging in response to shifting economic conditions and geopolitical factors.

In terms of product categories, Ghana’s imports are dominated by a few key items. According to the GSS data, ten products accounted for a significant portion—approximately 33.4%—of all imports into the country. Among the highest-value imports is diesel (automotive gas oil), particularly for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), which accounted for GH₵28.9 billion of total imports. This category, along with light oils and motor spirit (super), which had an import value of GH₵24.1 billion, highlights the country’s ongoing dependence on petroleum products, which are essential for both industrial and domestic use.

These imports play a crucial role in fueling Ghana’s industrial sector, powering transportation systems, and supporting energy production across the country. Additionally, as Ghana continues to develop its infrastructure and industrial base, imports of machinery, chemicals, and electronic goods remain vital to sustaining economic growth and meeting the needs of various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing.

In conclusion, China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner, followed by the UAE, UK, India, and the US. The country’s import bill reflects a diversified range of products, with petroleum products, machinery, and chemicals being among the highest-value imports. As Ghana’s trade relationships evolve, the patterns of imports continue to shift, highlighting the country’s dynamic and growing global economic connections.