Ghana’s export earnings in 2025 were heavily dominated by a small group of international partners, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India emerging as the country’s leading export destinations. New data from the Ghana Statistical Service highlights a sharp concentration of trade flows among just a few markets, driven largely by mineral exports.
The UAE ranked as Ghana’s top export destination, accounting for GH₵104 billion, or 25.9% of total exports between the first and fourth quarters of 2025. This strong performance reinforces the UAE’s growing role as a major hub for gold trade, which remains Ghana’s most valuable export commodity.
India followed closely in second place with GH₵64.3 billion (16.0%), while Switzerland came third at GH₵56.8 billion (14.2%). These figures underline sustained global demand for Ghana’s gold exports, with Switzerland continuing to play a key role in refining and international trading networks.
South Africa ranked fourth with GH₵41.3 billion (10.3%), maintaining its position as Ghana’s most important trading partner within Africa. China completed the top five with GH₵19.6 billion (4.9%), reflecting its dual role in Ghana’s trade landscape as both a major import source and an active export partner.
Overall, the top five destinations accounted for 71.2% of Ghana’s total export earnings in 2025, highlighting a high level of dependence on a limited number of markets. Analysts note that this concentration reflects Ghana’s reliance on primary commodities such as gold, cocoa, and crude oil, raising long-term concerns about export diversification and economic resilience.
source: citi newsroom