Op-Ed

The GSP program, a US trade initiative to stimulate economic development in developing countries, has allowed a wide range of products from Kosovo, including agricultural products, manufactured goods and handicrafts, to enter the US market duty-free since 2008.
While Kosovo has enjoyed preferential access to the US market for years through the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) by exporting duty-free to the US, it continues to apply tariffs on US goods, up to 10%. Unlike trading partners such as the EU or CEFTA countries, the US does not enjoy preferential treatment in the Kosovo market.
In this context, in April 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 10% tariff on imports from Kosovo. These tariffs were introduced as part of a strategy to promote trade reciprocity and balance one-sided relations with smaller economic partners.
But how is it possible for Kosovo to impose customs tariffs on an ally that has been among its biggest supporters on the path to freedom and statehood? 
Imposing customs duties on American products, while Kosovor exports entered the US duty-free through the GSP program, was not only unbalanced, but also against the principles of strategic partnership.
The 10% tariff by the Trump administration is an opportunity for Kosovo to recalibrate the trade relationship with its largest ally, not only as an act of gratitude, but as a smart geopolitical strategy.