North Macedonia is introducing lower tariffs on 70 raw materials for the automotive, metalworking, and textile industries

As of July 1 of this year, an additional reduction and full harmonization of customs duties with those of the European Union will take effect for 70 key raw materials, consumables, and semi-finished products used in North Macedonia’s domestic industry, BalkanEngineer.com learned from an official statement by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of North Macedonia. The measure is part of the government’s long-term strategy to support local businesses, enhance the competitiveness of industrial production, and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The decision covers raw materials used in a wide range of industrial sectors, including the automotive, metalworking, textile, and chemical industries. By eliminating or drastically reducing tariffs on these materials, local manufacturing companies will significantly reduce their production costs, allowing them to offer more competitive prices in foreign markets. Furthermore, full harmonization with the European Union’s customs tariffs facilitates the integration of Macedonian enterprises into European supply chains and prepares the country’s economy for future EU membership.

This step is a direct response to the long-standing demands of the North Macedonian Chamber of Commerce and industry associations, which have been calling for business conditions to be brought in line with those of their European counterparts. The financial relief for the industry is expected to lead to new investments in technological modernization, the creation of new jobs, and an increase in the volume of exports of finished industrial goods from the country to the countries of Southeast Europe and the European Union.

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