Kosovo has officially lifted its 10% customs tariff on goods imported from the United States, a move aimed at deepening economic cooperation and reinforcing strategic ties with its closest ally. The announcement was made by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who confirmed that, effective immediately, all U.S.-origin products entering Kosovo will be subject to a 0% import duty.
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“From now on, all products originating from the United States will have a 0% customs tariff when entering our country. Kosovo welcomes American goods into its market and we strongly believe this decision will increase trade exchange and encourage further investments,” Kurti said at the beginning of a cabinet meeting.
A Response to U.S. Tariff Hike
Kurti’s decision comes just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a sweeping set of new tariffs targeting 69 countries, including Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro. The White House stated that the previous trade arrangements were unfair to the U.S. economy. As a result, Kosovo was hit with a reciprocal 10% tariff, the same level it had imposed on U.S. products.
Trump’s executive order specified that goods from countries not listed in the annex would be subject to a 10% duty, unless otherwise negotiated.
Support from President Osmani
Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani had already called for the removal of the 10% tariff earlier this year. On April 10, she publicly urged the government to suspend the customs tax on U.S. imports, stating that such a move would be a “significant step in deepening economic relations with our closest ally.”
“This would send a clear message: Kosovo is ready for a stronger partnership with the United States, with a clear vision to make both of our nations stronger, more secure, and more prosperous,” Osmani declared.
Regional and Global Impact of U.S. Tariffs
While Kosovo has opted to de-escalate by lifting its tariff, other Balkan countries are now facing steeper U.S. tariffs. According to the updated list, which takes effect August 7, North Macedonia will face a 15% tariff, Bosnia and Herzegovina 30%, and Serbia a significant 35%.
Globally, some of the most heavily affected countries include Syria, Laos, and Myanmar, with tariffs reaching up to 41%.
Initially announced in April, Trump’s tariffs were temporarily suspended for 90 days to allow for negotiations with affected countries. However, as talks stalled with several governments, the tariffs are now being gradually implemented.
Kosovo’s Growing Trade with the U.S.
Kosovo’s reliance on imports has made it particularly sensitive to shifts in global trade policy. However, in recent years, exports to the U.S. have shown remarkable growth. According to Kosovo Customs data, exports to the U.S. were valued at just €3 million in 2019, but that figure rose sharply to over €131 million by 2022.
Key exported products include food items, beverages, textiles, mattresses, and various wood and plastic-based goods.
U.S. Embassy in Pristina Welcomes Move
The U.S. Embassy in Pristina recently stated that the United States sees major potential for economic cooperation with Kosovo across several strategic sectors. It emphasized that removing trade barriers such as tariffs would only help strengthen bilateral relations.