North Macedonia offers to eliminate tariffs on US goods for trade deal

In an effort to foster better trade relations and stimulate economic growth, North Macedonia announced plans to eliminate all import tariffs on goods from the United States. This move, revealed on a Monday in early June 2025, aims to create conditions favorable for reaching a reciprocal zero-tariff agreement with the Trump administration. The Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska highlighted that this unilateral decision sends a positive signal toward achieving a mutually beneficial trade exchange. The introduction of this tariff reduction follows the imposition of a burdensome 33% tariff on North Macedonia's goods by the U.S., which stands in stark contrast to the 20% tariff on European Union imports. The trade volume between North Macedonia and the U.S. has been relatively low, valued at approximately $314 million last year, with U.S. imports amounting to $196 million. This indicates that both countries have significant room for growth in their trading relationship. Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski recently engaged in discussions about potential free-trade agreements with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting in Washington, emphasizing the country’s desire to enhance its economic ties with the United States. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has been pushing for comprehensive trade negotiations amidst its own deadlines for tariff considerations. A draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative called on partner countries to submit their best offers regarding tariffs and other trade barriers by a stated deadline. This may reflect the urgency of the administration to secure favorable agreements before the expiration of its temporary tariff pause, which was set by Trump following backlash from market fluctuations induced by his earlier tariff announcements. As such, North Macedonia's initiative is part of a larger context of reshaping international trade dynamics. The U.S. government has expressed a strong interest in reformulating trade agreements that could potentially benefit both sides. However, the reactions from other countries and strategic responses remain to be seen. The ongoing pressure on the Trump administration to deliver substantial trade deals before deadlines has created a charged atmosphere where countries like North Macedonia are keen to leverage their own commitments to attract favorable terms from the U.S. government.