The government of Kosovo made a significant decision during yesterday’s session to eliminate customs duties on imports from the United States.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced, “Today we are making a pivotal decision to remove customs tariffs on items from the United States. From this point forward, all products from the U.S. will be exempt from customs duties upon entering our country. Kosovo welcomes American goods in our market, and we truly believe this will enhance trade and investment.”

He emphasized this decision highlights the strong relationship between the two nations and demonstrates Kosovo’s “dedication and resolve” to establish a “free trade agreement with the United States of America.”

According to the Kossev portal, he expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his assistance, particularly in the energy sector.

This policy change follows President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs affecting 69 countries, claiming those nations have not treated the American economy fairly.

The White House announcement specifies that goods from any country not listed in the order’s annex will incur a 10 percent tax, as per the executive order from April.

This directive imposed a reciprocal tariff of 10 percent on Kosovo, similar to that on Albania and Montenegro.

Under the newly established customs framework, other Balkan nations face even higher tariffs: North Macedonia will have a 15 percent tariff, Bosnia and Herzegovina will face 30 percent, and Serbia will incur 35 percent.

Croatia and Slovenia will follow European Union regulations with a 15 percent customs duty.

Initially, Trump announced these tariffs in April but postponed implementation for 90 days to facilitate negotiations with relevant stakeholders.

When the tariffs were first proposed, Kosovo experts predicted a considerable impact, given the country’s reliance on imports. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani requested the previous government to lift the tax, but it remained enforced, as reported by Radio Free Europe.

Osmani indicated that her administration had prepared legislation to remove the 10 percent tariff on American imports, but its passage depended on the formation of a new parliament, which has yet to occur despite over 50 attempts.

Economic organizations in Kosovo highlight a growth in exports to the U.S. since 2019.

Data from Kosovo Customs supports this, showing exports grew from three million euros in 2019 to over 131 million euros in 2022.

Items exported from Kosovo to the U.S. include food products, juices, textiles, mattresses, and various wood and plastic goods.

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