North Macedonia will begin purchasing US LNG once the new gas interconnector with Greece is completed, under a framework for a new Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade agreed with the United States, the White House announced on February 12.

The framework is aimed to strengthen bilateral economic ties and expand market access for exporters in both countries.

Under the framework, North Macedonia will eliminate customs duties on all US industrial and agricultural goods exported to its market, the White House announced.

In return, the US will maintain reciprocal tariffs of 15% on originating goods from North Macedonia, in line with existing executive orders, while also identifying selected products that will qualify for a zero-percent tariff rate.

The two sides said further tariff adjustments could be considered after the agreement is finalised, depending on trade balances and other relevant factors.

The framework also addresses non-tariff barriers, with both countries committing to consultations to prevent obstacles to US agricultural exports and to resolve priority trade concerns.

Cooperation will be expanded in areas of economic and national security, including supply chain resilience, investment screening, export controls and efforts to combat duty evasion.

Energy cooperation features prominently, with Skopje highlighting the strategic importance of the Greece–North Macedonia gas interconnector, which will enable diversification of energy sources and strengthen energy security through access to US LNG.

The framework includes commitments on environmental protection, labour standards, intellectual property rights and digital trade. North Macedonia pledged not to introduce a digital services tax and to support a permanent WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

Both sides said they will now work to finalise the agreement, prepare it for signature and complete domestic procedures ahead of its entry into force, describing it as a step towards deeper transatlantic partnership and sustained economic growth.

Commenting from the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the joint statement from the White House sends a clear signal of deepening strategic partnership with Washington. He added that the planned agreement would cap tariffs at 15%, with zero or single-digit rates for dozens of strategic products, opening new opportunities for exports, investment and economic growth.

Mickoski said he expects around 63 to 64 strategic products to qualify for preferential tariff treatment, with rates in the single digits ranging from 0% to 6.5%.