Kosovo removes tariffs on US goods, signaling strengthened economic ties

Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the removal of the existing 10 percent customs tariff on goods imported from the United States, marking a significant step to deepen trade relations between the two countries.

“From now on, all products originating from the United States will have a 0 percent tariff when they enter our country. Kosovo welcomes American products to its market and we strongly believe that this will affect the growth of trade exchange and increased investments,” Kurti said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The decision follows the recent imposition of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on 69 countries, including Kosovo, citing unfair trade practices against the American economy. Kosovo had faced a reciprocal 10 percent tariff, which has now been lifted unilaterally by Kurti’s government.

Kurti emphasized that the move “proves the good relations between the two countries and shows that Kosovo wants to have a free trade agreement with the United States.” Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gërvalla also highlighted the evolving bilateral ties: “We see this decision as a continuation of our country's inseparable policies with the United States, not only in strengthening friendship, but in creating and strengthening a genuine partnership, with a state that has always been supportive of our statehood.”

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani took to social media to address US President Trump and the American people, stating that Kosovo “is your reliable partner in efforts to make America and its allies strong, secure, and more prosperous.”

The move has been warmly welcomed by Kosovo’s chambers of commerce. The American Chamber of Commerce praised the decision as “a strong and strategic demonstration to advance economic cooperation with the United States, the closest political and economic partner that the Republic of Kosovo has.” The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce added, “This decision... proves the sincere and permanent friendship that exists between Kosovo and the United States of America.”

Despite constituting less than 1 percent of Kosovo’s imports, American goods hold symbolic importance, with exports to the US growing substantially—from 3 million euros in 2019 to over 131 million euros in 2022. Key exports include food, beverages, textiles, mattresses, wood, and plastic products.

The US Embassy in Pristina recently encouraged Kosovo’s public and private sectors to pursue further economic opportunities, noting that removing trade barriers would “further strengthen these ties” and foster a transparent, stable environment for American investment.

By Vafa Guliyeva