The President of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Lulzim Rafuna, has warned that the imposition of a 25% customs tariff by President Trump’s administration could negatively affect Kosovo’s exports to the United States.
In an interview for EO, Rafuna emphasized that if the new tariffs include Kosovar goods, it will increase the cost of products and make competition more difficult.
“The policies being implemented through the imposition of customs tariffs by President Trump or the White House also affect Kosovo because, although we are still unclear about the decision, whether it will apply only to European Union countries or to companies or goods exported from the territory of Europe, we are unsure,” Rafuna said.
“However, if the latter applies, then a customs tariff will also be imposed on Kosovar products. If this tariff is set at 25%, as stated by Trump, it will undoubtedly have an impact on Kosovar companies because they won’t be as competitive as they have been so far. The 25% customs tax will increase the price of Kosovar products in the U.S. market,” he added.
He warned that this could lead to Kosovar businesses withdrawing from that market and a decrease in production, having a harmful effect on Kosovo’s economy.
“If a 25% customs tariff is imposed on us, then Kosovar products won’t be competitive in the U.S. market, and we will give up on that market. This means reduced production, which is not good for our companies or our economy,” Rafuna stated.
Rafuna stressed the importance of using lobbying efforts to prevent Kosovo from being included in the tariff package, calling for institutional engagement to protect the interests of Kosovo’s businesses.
“Our institutions should utilize all the mechanisms available to them, starting with lobbying, diplomatic contacts with the White House, Congress, and the Senate, in order to lobby for Kosovo to not be part of the package that imposes the 25% customs tariff on European goods. Although it is challenging, we must try to lobby to prevent this tariff from being imposed on Kosovar goods,” Rafuna concluded.
