President Vjosa Osmani announced today that the Presidency has finalized a draft law to lift the 10% customs tariff on goods imported from the United States. However, the proposal can only be submitted once the new Assembly of Kosovo is officially constituted.
In an interview with RTV21, Osmani said, “The law is ready and will be proposed to the Assembly as soon as it is formed. I have discussed it with many MPs and am convinced it will pass.”
The move follows an earlier request by Osmani on April 3 for the government to suspend the tariff, one day after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a similar tariff on imports from Kosovo. Trump’s decision included tariffs on most countries worldwide, with a 10% base rate and higher rates for nations with which the U.S. has a trade deficit.
The initiative sparked internal disagreements. Acting Finance Minister Hekuran Murati criticized Osmani’s approach, arguing that fiscal policies fall under the executive branch and should be handled away from the media spotlight. Bekim Kupina, Osmani’s media adviser, called Murati’s remarks “shameful and scandalous.”
Osmani said the dispute severely harmed Kosovo’s international interests.
“That response was extremely damaging,” she stated, emphasizing that Kosovo had a unique opportunity to strengthen its alliance with the U.S. by being the first country to propose lifting tariffs.
The 10% tariff remains in place, despite Murati previously indicating that the government had been considering its removal for some time.
Meanwhile, Osmani revealed that her office is working closely with the Trump administration on several initiatives, although details remain confidential. She expressed hope that the new Assembly will be formed swiftly to address urgent national issues.
The constitutive session of the new Assembly is set for tomorrow, April 15. However, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which finished second in the elections, has announced it will not attend.
The Self-Determination Movement (LVV), holding 48 seats, is expected to nominate the Speaker. A quorum of 61 votes is required to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers before proceeding to form the new government.
Osmani also commented on the recent recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Sudan, a move Serbia has questioned, citing concerns over the Sudanese government’s legitimacy.
During her recent participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Osmani said Kosovo secured agreements for further recognitions, including progress with Syria, although formal announcements are pending to avoid jeopardizing negotiations.
