Skopje, 29 June 2026 (MIA) — As of July 1, import taxes will be lowered for 70 raw materials and manufacturing components, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska said Monday after Parliament adopted amendments to the Customs Law.

According to the Ministry of Finance in a press release, the amendments align the country’s tax rates with those in the European Union, in line with the government's 2024–2028 plan to make the domestic economy more competitive. 

Lowering these customs duties will cut expenses for businesses, particularly factories, making it easier for them to manufacture and export products, the release said. 

“This measure is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of domestic companies, increasing investments, creating jobs and bringing more foreign currency into the country,” the release said.

The amendments were drafted together with the chambers of commerce, continuing the reforms that started on July 1, 2025, when the state first cut import taxes 50% down to EU levels.

Minister Dimitrieska Kochoska said the law showed the government's commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy. 

“Starting July 1, businesses will have lower costs for raw materials and manufacturing components, directly boosting their productivity, competitiveness and export potential,” she is quoted as saying in the release.

The import tax cuts are expected to directly help the car manufacturing, metalworking and metal-refining industries, leading to more exports, investments and jobs, the release said. mr/