Ghana loses $70m to under-declared rubber exports — report
April 2,2026
Ghana’s raw rubber sector lost an estimated $70 million between 2024 and 2025 due to widespread under-declaration of export revenues and shipments exceeding approved limits, an internal report has revealed.
According to findings based on data from the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Tree Crops Development Authority, exporters engaged in under-invoicing and breached regulatory requirements, raising concerns over significant revenue leakages and the sustainability of local processing industries.
The report indicated that in 2024, about 89.68 million tonnes of raw rubber were exported despite no permits being issued. In 2025, exports reached 39,000 tonnes far exceeding the approved 13,000 tonnes.
It further revealed that exporters declared prices far below the minimum benchmarks set by the TCDA, resulting in substantial under-invoicing. In many cases, only a fraction of the true export value was reported.
Under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), exporters are required to repatriate full proceeds through licensed banks. However, only a small portion of export earnings was returned, deepening concerns about compliance.
The situation has also affected local processing firms, many of which are operating below capacity due to raw material shortages. This has led to reduced production levels, job losses, and, in some cases, factory shutdowns.
In response, government officials, including Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, have announced plans to tighten export controls and prioritise domestic supply.
Industry stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement to prevent further losses and protect Ghana’s rubber value chain.
