The administration of US President Donald Trump and the Republic of North Macedonia have announced a framework for a trade agreement that removes all Balkan State tariffs on US industrial and agricultural imports, while maintaining a 15% tariff rate on goods from it to the US, Reuters reported, citing a statement published on the White House website.
The document also says that the US and the Republic of North Macedonia will work to allay US concerns about non-tariff barriers imposed by the Republic of North Macedonia, which affect bilateral trade in priority areas. The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia commit to holding consultations to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products in the Macedonian market, the statement said.
The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia commit to strengthening their economic and national cooperation to improve sustainability and innovation in supply chains, the statement also said. The two countries stated their intention to improve their trade relations.
In terms of the energy sector, the United States and the Republic of North Macedonia note the construction of an important new gas interconnector between the Balkan country and its neighbor Greece, which will allow the Republic of North Macedonia to improve its energy security and diversify its energy sources, including through purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. The Republic of North Macedonia will begin purchasing American LNG after the completion of the new gas interconnector, the text says.
The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia will also work to finalize the agreement, prepare for signing and complete internal formalities before the agreement enters into force, the text also says.