Accra: Bilateral trade between Ghana and China reached US$14.1 billion in 2025 as both nations sought to strengthen cooperation in various sectors such as trade, industrialization, mining, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
According to Ghana Web, this trade figure marks a 19.3 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring China's significant role as one of Ghana's largest trading partners. The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, revealed these statistics during his first official press briefing in Accra. During this briefing, he outlined China's strategic priorities for enhancing trade, investment, mining cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges with Ghana.
However, the provisional trade data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) highlights an imbalance in the trade relationship, heavily favoring imports from China. In 2025, China was Ghana's largest source of imports, accounting for GHS57.6 billion or 22.7 percent of total imports. Conversely, Ghana's exports to China were GHS19.6 billion, only 4.9 percent of total exports for the year. This imbalance has shifted attention to China's newly introduced zero-tariff policy for African exports, which is seen as an opportunity for Ghana to enhance its export capabilities and gain better access to the Chinese market.
Ambassador Cong praised Ghana's recent macroeconomic performance, noting a 6 percent GDP growth for 2025 and a reduction in inflation to 3.4 percent by April 2026. He expressed China's willingness to support Ghana's '24-Hour Economy' and 'Resetting Ghana' initiatives, and emphasized China's readiness to assist in Ghana's industrial transformation efforts, including the proposed Volta Economic Corridor.
As part of these initiatives, China is set to contribute capital, technology, and management experience to Ghana. This support aims to promote the deep processing of agricultural products, extend the industrial chain, and stimulate indigenous development. Ambassador Cong described the Ghana-China relationship as strategically aligned, with both nations pursuing economic transformation agendas focused on industrialization and growth.
The zero-tariff policy, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping and effective from May 1, eliminates import duties on qualifying exports from 53 African countries, including Ghana. Ambassador Cong explained that this initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in the Chinese market and create opportunities for export expansion. Products such as cocoa, cashew, shea butter, textiles, and handicrafts are anticipated to benefit from this arrangement.
Think-tank representatives view China's zero-tariff initiative as a significant opportunity for Africa to transition from aid dependence to export-led industrialization. However, they stress that realizing these benefits will require improvements in Africa's production capacity, standards, logistics, and industrial coordination.
Regarding illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, Ambassador Cong reiterated China's opposition to the involvement of Chinese nationals in such activities and pledged continued support for Ghana's efforts to address this issue. He emphasized China's shared interest with Ghana in protecting natural resources and promoting environmentally sustainable mining practices.
The ambassador also outlined plans to enhance cultural, educational, and youth exchanges between Ghana and China under the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges initiative. This year is expected to feature film festivals, cultural performances, educational programs, and youth exchange initiatives, strengthening ties between the citizens of both countries. Currently, over 10,000 Ghanaian students are studying Chinese language and culture, as noted by the ambassador.