Saturday, 05 April

U.S. Ambassador reassures Ghana on trade relations amid shift in U.S. trade policy

News
Virginia Evelyn Palmer

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, has sought to ease concerns over the future of U.S.-Ghana trade relations following a shift in American trade policy.

Her comments come in response to the introduction of new tariffs by President Donald Trump, including a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union, measures that have sparked global trade tensions and mixed reactions from world leaders.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, President Trump defended the tariffs as part of a national economic emergency, asserting that they were necessary to protect domestic manufacturing and counter what he described as unfair economic practices from other nations.

Despite these concerns, Ambassador Palmer reassured Ghanaians that the U.S.-Ghana trade relationship, which currently exceeds $3 billion in bilateral trade and investment, remains strong and resilient. She expressed confidence that Ghana’s key exports, such as gold and gas, would continue to play a vital role in global trade and would not be significantly impacted by the changes in U.S. trade policies.

“The life-saving programmes will continue. The new face of partnership will maintain all of the life-saving programmes.

The U.S. and Ghana share a very warm and close relationship, as you all know, founded on four pillars,” Palmer stated.

She highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, as well as the robust trade and investment exchanges.

"More than $3 billion in bilateral trade and investment is one of the key pillars.

We also have goods and services—gold and gas from Ghana, and automobiles and pharmaceuticals from the United States," Palmer added.

Ambassador Palmer emphasized that, despite any changes in trade policy or focus, Ghana remains an integral part of the United States' global strategy and that their partnership would continue to thrive.

 

 

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah