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SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — North Macedonia announced plans
Monday to abolish all import taxes on the United States in the
hope of reaching a reciprocal zero-tariff deal with the Trump
administration.
The plan still requires parliamentary approval and was put
forward after the Balkan country was hit with a 33% tariff from
the United States — considerably higher than the 20% imposed on
the European Union.
“By unilaterally reducing customs rates, we are sending a
message to accelerate the process of reciprocity in a mutual
trade exchange,” Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska
told reporters.
The trade volume between the two countries was just $314 million
last year while U.S. imports totaled $196 million, according to
government figures.
Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said he discussed the
possibility of a free-trade agreement with the U.S. at a meeting
in Washington last week with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
North Macedonia’s plan is part of a wider effort to try and
stimulate its economy and would include other tariff reductions.
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