JOINT STATEMENT ON A FRAMEWORK FOR UNITED STATES-NORTH MACEDONIA AGREEMENT ON RECIPROCAL, FAIR, AND BALANCED TRADE

The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia have reached a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. This agreement is designed to expand market access for both nations, support shared strategic interests, and deepen the transatlantic partnership.Key provisions of the framework include:Tariff Adjustments: North Macedonia will eliminate all customs duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods. In return, the U.S. will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on Macedonian goods while identifying specific products to receive a 0% rate.Energy Cooperation: North Macedonia has committed to purchasing U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) upon the completion of a new gas interconnector between Greece and North Macedonia, aiming to diversify its energy sources and enhance security.National & Economic Security: Both nations will coordinate on supply chain resilience, export controls, and investment reviews. They also committed to addressing "non-market policies" from third-party countries and combating duty evasion.Digital Trade and Services: North Macedonia agreed not to impose a digital services tax and to support a permanent WTO moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating trade in services.Regulatory Standards: The agreement includes commitments to maintain high levels of environmental protection, engage on labor issues, and discuss enhanced intellectual property enforcement.Addressing Barriers: The framework establishes a process for consultations to remove non-tariff barriers, specifically those affecting U.S. agricultural products in the Macedonian market.The two countries will now move to finalize the formal agreement and complete domestic legal requirements to bring the trade deal into force.