Ghana’s export earnings in 2025 were heavily concentrated in a few key international markets, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as the country’s top destination.

According to the latest trade newsletter from the Ghana Statistical Service, the UAE accounted for GH₵104 billion, representing 25.9% of Ghana’s total exports between the first and fourth quarters of 2025.

India followed as the second-largest export market, recording GH₵64.3 billion (16.0%), while Switzerland ranked third with GH₵56.8 billion (14.2%). The strong performance of these markets is largely driven by demand for Ghana’s key commodities, especially gold.

South Africa came fourth with GH₵41.3 billion (10.3%), and China completed the top five destinations with GH₵19.6 billion (4.9%).

Together, these five countries accounted for 71.2% of Ghana’s total export earnings in 2025, underscoring a high concentration of trade flows in a limited number of markets.

The GSS report noted that the top five destinations alone generated more than two-thirds of the country’s export revenue, highlighting limited diversification in Ghana’s export base.

The dominance of the UAE and India reflects their central role in Ghana’s gold exports, which continue to anchor the country’s external earnings. Switzerland’s position further reinforces this trend, given its status as a major global hub for gold refining and trading.

Regionally, South Africa remained Ghana’s most significant export market within Africa, while China’s presence in the top five reflects ongoing trade ties, even though it is more prominent as a source of imports.

Overall, the report shows that Ghana’s export structure remains heavily dependent on a few commodities, particularly gold, cocoa, and crude oil, making earnings vulnerable to global price fluctuations and shifts in demand.