North Macedonia and the United States have agreed on a framework for a Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade Agreement, the White House said. At the same time, officials in Skopje described the move as a step toward a historic trade deal with Washington.
Under the framework, North Macedonia will eliminate customs duties on all U.S. industrial and agricultural goods exported to the country.
The United States will maintain reciprocal tariffs at 15% on goods originating from North Macedonia, in line with existing executive orders, but will also identify selected products eligible for a zero percent tariff rate.
The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties, support growth and deepen the transatlantic partnership, according to the joint statement.
Both sides are committed to addressing non-tariff barriers affecting trade, particularly in priority sectors and agriculture. Consultations will also be held to prevent new obstacles to U.S. agricultural exports to the Macedonian market.
The framework includes provisions to enhance economic and national security cooperation, focusing on supply chain resilience, export controls, investment screening, and combating duty evasion.
On energy, the statement highlights the construction of a new gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Greece, which will allow diversification of energy sources, including imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). North Macedonia will begin purchasing U.S. LNG once the interconnector is completed.
North Macedonia also committed to maintaining high environmental protection standards, strengthening intellectual property protections, addressing labor issues, and refraining from introducing a digital services tax. The country pledged support for a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization.
The two sides will now work to finalize the agreement and complete domestic procedures before it enters into force.