Skopje, 13 February 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and North Macedonia on reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade.

In a Facebook post, Mucunski described the agreement as an important and significant step forward in economic cooperation with the United States, noting that it is of great importance for the Macedonian economy and will bring tangible benefits to Macedonian companies.

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“We have agreed a joint statement and a framework for an Agreement on reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade, thereby strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and opening greater access to the U.S. market for Macedonian companies. Today, we are making a significant step forward in economic cooperation with our strategic partner – the United States,” Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Timcho Mucunski said.

As he noted, the joint statement serves as a basis for negotiations on an agreement that will provide exporters from both countries with expanded access to each other’s markets and enable the enhancement of mutual trade relations. The agreement will support shared strategic interests, promote economic growth, and deepen the transatlantic partnership.

“It is important to be precise: the United States will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on products originating from our country, while at the same time – and this is the essence of the success – products will be identified that will receive a 0% reciprocal tariff. In other words, for certain key industries and products, tariffs will be reduced to zero,” Mucunski said.

The joint statement covers several areas, including customs, strengthening economic and national security cooperation, digital trade, the energy sector, environmental protection, non-tariff barriers and protection of intellectual property rights.

“This represents a concrete and measurable success for the Macedonian economy. This joint statement provides our companies with a competitive advantage, a clear regulatory framework, greater predictability, and a stronger position in one of the world’s largest markets. Sincere thanks to the entire team from multiple institutions who worked diligently on this process, as well as the team at the Macedonian embassy in Washington,” Mucunski said.

The next step is finalizing the Agreement and completing the domestic procedures for its entry into force.

The official statement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) notes that this lays the groundwork for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade aimed at advancing economic partnership, with Ambassador Jamieson Greer expressing gratitude to Minister Mucunski for his constructive engagement in rebalancing trade relationship.

“President Trump’s trade agenda is deepening our transatlantic ties with a key partner in the Balkan region. This announcement lays the groundwork for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to enhance our economic partnership while removing red tape for American farmers and producers. I thank North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Timcho Mucunski for his constructive engagement to rebalance our trade relationship and create new opportunities for American workers and businesses,” the official statement says. 

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced the agreement with the United States on Thursday, highlighting that 63–64 products, considered strategic for the country, will be exported to the U.S. at single-digit tariffs between 0% and 6.5%.

He noted that the past months involved very active and intensive negotiations, and that the favorable rates reflect the outcome of these talks.

Photo: MIA