What Does Ghana Import? Ghana Import Data & Customs Reports

Discover what Ghana imports with detailed insights from Ghana import data and customs reports. Explore top imported products, trade partners, market trends, and customs regulations in 2024.

Apr 7, 2025 0 10.5k

What Does Ghana Import? Ghana Import Data & Customs Reports

Ghana, a country located in West Africa, has a diverse economy with a rapidly growing import sector. Ghana imports a wide range of goods and products to meet the needs of its population and support its growing economy. According to Ghana import data and customs data on Ghana imports, Ghana imported goods worth $14 billion in 2023-24, a 9% decline from the previous year. In contrast, Ghana’s goods imports reached a total value of $18.15 billion in 2024. Ghana is ranked as the 96th largest importer in the world, as per the Africa trade data and international trade statistics. In this article, we will explore what Ghana imports, how import data is collected, and the role of customs reports in monitoring and regulating imports.

List of Ghana's Top Import Products: Ghana Imports by HS Code

Ghana's top import products, categorized by HS code, provide valuable insights into the country's trade landscape. These categories shed light on the most significant commodities entering the nation, contributing to its economic growth and development. The top 10 goods that Ghana imports, as per the Ghana customs data and Ghana import data for 2023-24, include:

Ghana's Top Import Products

1. Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $5.26 billion

Mineral fuels and oils hold the top position among Ghana's imports, with a staggering value of $5.26 billion, accounting for 32.1% of the total imports. This category includes petroleum oils, coal, gases, and other mineral fuels essential for various industries.

2. Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $1.55 billion

The second-largest import category in Ghana is nuclear reactors and machinery, with a value of $1.55 billion, making up 9.47% of the total imports. This category covers a wide range of machinery, equipment, and parts necessary for various sectors, including manufacturing and construction.

3. Vehicles (HS code 87): $1.21 billion

Vehicles rank third among Ghana's imports, with a total value of $1.21 billion, accounting for 7.39% of the total imports. This category includes cars, trucks, buses, and other types of vehicles essential for transportation and logistics in the country.

4. Plastics and articles thereof (HS code 39): $660.51 million

Plastics and articles made from plastics hold the fourth position among Ghana's top imports, with a total value of $660.51 million, representing 4.03% of the total imports, as per the customs data for Ghana imports by HS code. This category includes plastic pipes, sheets, bags, and other plastic products used in various industries.

5. Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $601.17 million

Electrical machinery and equipment rank fifth among Ghana's imports, with a total value of $601.17 million, making up 3.67% of the total imports, as per Ghana customs import data by HS code. This category includes electrical appliances, cables, transformers, and other electronic devices crucial for the country's infrastructure and development.

6. Iron and steel (HS code 72): $527.50 million

Iron and steel products come in sixth among Ghana's top imports, with a total value of $527.50 million, representing 3.22% of the total imports. This category includes iron bars, rods, wires, pipes, and other steel products needed in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.

7. Miscellaneous chemical products (HS code 38): $468.32 million

Miscellaneous chemical products hold the seventh position among Ghana's imports, with a total value of $468.32 million, accounting for 2.86% of the total imports. This category includes various chemical substances, fertilizers, pesticides, and other products essential for agriculture and manufacturing.

8. Salt; sulfur, lime, and cement (HS code 25): $439.48 million

Salt, sulfur, lime, and cement rank eighth among Ghana's top imports, with a total value of $439.48 million, making up 2.68% of the total imports. This category includes salt, sulfur, quicklime, cement, and other construction materials crucial for infrastructure development in the country.

9. Articles of iron or steel (HS code 73): $364.24 million

Articles of iron or steel come in ninth among Ghana's imports, with a total value of $364.24 million, representing 2.22% of the total imports. This category includes iron or steel articles such as containers, pipes, structures, and other products used in various industries.

10. Products of the milling industry (HS code 11): $311.90 million

Products of the milling industry round up the list of Ghana's top imports, with a total value of $311.90 million, accounting for 1.9% of the total imports. This category includes flour, starch, malt, and other milled products essential for food processing and consumption.

Ghana's Biggest Trade Partners: Ghana Imports by Country

Ghana's biggest trade partners play a crucial role in the country's economy, especially when examining Ghana's imports by country. A detailed analysis reveals key contributors such as China, India, the United States, and Belgium. Understanding these key trade relationships can offer valuable insights into the dynamics of Ghana's import market and its impact on the country's economic growth. The top 10 Ghana import partners, as per Ghana shipment data and Ghana import statistics, are:

China: $3.07 billion (18.7%)

China continues to maintain its position as Ghana's largest import partner, accounting for a significant portion of the country's total imports, as per customs data on Ghana imports from China by HS code. With a total import value of $3.07 billion, China's dominance in Ghana's import market remains unchallenged.

Netherlands: $1.57 million (9.6%)

The Netherlands emerges as the second-largest import partner of Ghana in 2023-24, with an import value of $1.57 million. Known for its strong agricultural and manufacturing industries, the Netherlands plays a vital role in Ghana's import sector.

India: $1.05 billion (6.4%)

India secures the third spot on the list of Ghana's top import partners, with a total import value of $1.05 billion, as per the data on Ghana imports from India by HS code. The strong trade relations between Ghana and India contribute significantly to Ghana's import market.

Russia: $1.05 billion (6.4%)

Sharing the same import value as India, Russia also holds a crucial position as one of Ghana's top import partners. With a total import value of $1.05 billion, Russia's presence in Ghana's import sector is notable.

USA: $993.40 million (6.1%)

The United States maintains a strong trade relationship with Ghana, ranking as the fifth-largest import partner with a total import value of $993.40 million. The diverse range of imports from the USA plays a key role in Ghana's economy.

Belgium: $759.98 million (4.6%)

Belgium's trade ties with Ghana make it the sixth-largest import partner, with an import value of $759.98 million. The strategic location of Belgium in Europe allows for smooth trade relations with Ghana.

United Arab Emirates: $620.86 million (3.8%)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the seventh position among Ghana's top import partners, with an import value of $620.86 million. The UAE's strong presence in Ghana's import market reflects the diverse range of goods traded between the two countries.

United Kingdom: $504.75 million (3.1%)

The United Kingdom remains a significant import partner for Ghana, securing the eighth position with a total import value of $504.75 million. The historical ties between the UK and Ghana continue to drive trade relations between the two nations.

Switzerland: $365.88 million (2.2%)

Switzerland's role as an import partner for Ghana is evident, with a total import value of $365.88 million, placing it in the ninth position. The high-quality products and services from Switzerland contribute to Ghana's import market.

South Africa: $311.19 million (1.9%)

Closing the list of Ghana's top import partners is South Africa, with an import value of $311.19 million, . The strong economic ties between Ghana and South Africa support a steady flow of imports between the two nations.

Ghana Total Imports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Ghana Import Data

Ghana Total Imports

Year of Trade	Ghana Total Import Value ($)
2014	$16.78 billion
2015	$14.68 billion
2016	$11.36 billion
2017	$12.71 billion
2018	$11.88 billion
2019	$12.43 billion
2020	$16.1 billion
2021	$17.84 billion
2022	$17.96 billion
2023	$14 billion
2024	$18.15 billion

Overview of Ghana Import Data

Total Import Value (2024): $18.15 billion
Currency Used: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Top Imports: Mineral fuels and oils
Primary Entry Ports: Tema Port, Takoradi Port
Key Trade Partners: China, Netherlands, USA, India, UK

Ghana Import Trends

✅ Growth in Machinery & Equipment due to industrial and infrastructure expansion.
✅ Fuel imports dominate because of limited local refinery output.
✅ Vehicle imports are on the rise due to increasing urban mobility demand.
✅ Plastic and packaging materials growth linked to retail, FMCG, and food industries.

Market Dynamics for Ghana Imports

Sectors Driving Imports

Energy & Petroleum
Construction & Real Estate
Automotive & Transport
Manufacturing & Processing
Agriculture & Agro-processing

Consumer Goods Growth

Electronics & Appliances
Packaged Foods
Health & Beauty Products

Ghana Import Pricing Trends

Fuel: Highly volatile due to global oil market fluctuations
Machinery & Vehicles: Impacted by GHS/USD exchange rate shifts
Chemicals & Plastics: Rising due to post-pandemic supply chain challenges

Shipment & Customs Insights

Ports & Freight Channels

Tema Port: Handles over 70% of imports
Takoradi Port: Growing role in bulk commodities
Kotoka International Airport: Used for time-sensitive, high-value items (e.g., electronics, pharma)

Shipping Trends

↑ Increase in containerized cargo by 6–8% YoY
↑ Air cargo growth in e-commerce and consumer electronics

Customs Developments

Implementation of ICUMS (Integrated Customs Management System)

Faster clearance
Improved transparency
Real-time shipment information

Recommendations for Traders & Exporters

Target sectors: Energy, Infrastructure, Consumer Electronics
Monitor exchange rates for cost efficiency
Utilize Ghana’s digital customs platform for smooth logistics
Analyze seasonality in imports for optimized shipment planning

Ghana Import Data Collection

To acquire and analyze the country's import activities, the Ghanaian government collects import data from various sources, including:

Customs declarations: When goods enter the country, importers are required to submit customs declarations detailing the type of goods, quantity, value, and origin.
Shipping manifests: Shipping companies provide manifests that list the cargo being transported into Ghana, allowing authorities to verify the information provided in customs declarations.
Trade agreements: Ghana also collects import data through trade agreements with other countries and international organizations, which help facilitate and regulate imports.

Role of Ghana Customs Reports

Ghana Customs reports play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating Ghana's import sector. Customs officials use these reports to ensure that imported goods comply with regulations and laws, including:

Tariffs and duties: Customs reports help determine the tariff rates and duties applicable to imported goods based on their classification and value.
Product safety and standards: Customs officials check imported goods to ensure they meet safety and quality standards set by Ghanaian authorities to protect consumers and the environment.
Customs fraud prevention: Customs reports are used to detect and prevent fraud, such as smuggling, under-invoicing, and false declarations, which can harm Ghana's economy and security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding what Ghana imports and how this information is documented through Ghana import data and customs reports is essential for gaining insights into the country's trade activities. Ghana's imports consist of a wide range of products and commodities that cater to the needs and preferences of its population, such as petroleum products, machinery, and food products. By acquiring import data and customs reports, stakeholders can make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and contribute to the development of Ghana's economy.

We hope you liked our interactive and insightful blog report on Ghana import data and customs reports. Visit TradeImeX for more such market reports and access Ghana Import-Export data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in and get a list of the top import companies in Ghana as per the Ghana importers data.