According to the Ministry of Finance, the measure is aimed at strengthening the export competitiveness of domestic companies, encouraging investment, opening new jobs, and ensuring higher foreign currency inflows into the country. The institution emphasizes that the amendments were drafted in consultation with chambers of commerce and are a continuation of the reforms launched last year, when the first reduction in customs rates took effect on July 1, 2025, bringing them down to 50 percent of the level of the rates applicable in the European Union.

With the legal amendments, customs rates are being brought further into line with those in force in the European Union, in accordance with the provisions of the Government’s 2024-2028 Work Program and commitments to increase the competitiveness of the domestic economy. The reduction of these rates is expected to lower costs for companies, especially in the processing industry, as well as create more favorable conditions for production and exports.

The new amendments provide for the full harmonization of customs rates for these products with the rates applied in the European Union, while also taking into account the rules of the World Trade Organization.

“With the adoption of this law, we are sending a clear message that we are committed to creating a more competitive and more sustainable domestic economy. From July 1, companies will face lower costs for purchasing raw materials and intermediate goods, which will directly affect their productivity, competitiveness, and export potential. Our goal is for domestic companies to have conditions comparable to those in the European Union, to invest more, open new jobs, and create added value in the economy,” said Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kocoska.

She stressed that the Government continues to implement policies that guarantee a predictable and favorable business environment, as well as a strong partnership with the business community, with the ultimate aim of accelerating economic growth and ensuring higher living standards for citizens.

This measure will provide direct support to the automotive industry, the metal-processing industry, and metallurgy, while it is also expected to have a positive impact on the growth of exports, foreign exchange inflows, investments, and the number of jobs.

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Under the new changes, total revenues are projected to rise from 374.9 billion denars to 379.2 billion denars, while expenditures will reach 425.2 billion denars. The budget deficit is widening from 39.2 billion denars to 46.1 billion denars, but will still remain at 4.1 percent of Gross Domestic Product. The vast majority of the additional funds have been directed toward capital expenditures, which are increasing by 5.8 billion denars to reach 46 billion denars.

The two institutions receiving the largest share of the additional funds are the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, with 2.3 billion denars more, mainly for water supply systems, sewage networks and environmental infrastructure, as well as the Ministry of Transport, with approximately 1.4 billion denars.

These funds will be used for the construction of Corridors 8 and 10-e, the Skopje-Blace highway, the Corridor 8 railway, water supply and sewage systems, water treatment plants, energy efficiency projects, as well as for the construction and reconstruction of educational facilities, student dormitories and infrastructure in rural areas.

The Ministry of Education will also have an additional 426 million denars at its disposal, while other funds have also been earmarked for healthcare, the SEC, agricultural subsidies, student and pupil standards, sports and social protection.

Coverage of the budget deficit and liabilities for debt repayment, with a total value of 76.4 billion denars, will be carried out through domestic and external borrowing. Of this amount, more than 54 billion denars have been earmarked to meet obligations to foreign creditors, while around 20 billion denars will go toward repaying domestic debt.

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