The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, imposed the highest tariffs on Serbia among various countries. These tariffs were determined using a mathematical approach: countries with tariffs on American products exceeding 20% were charged half of what U.S. companies pay, while those with tariffs at 10% were charged the same rate. Serbia, which had imposed tariffs of 74% on American products, will now face a 37% tariff on exports to the U.S.
The sectors most likely to be affected by these tariffs include the automotive industry (especially car tires), specialized industries (such as ammunition), and food products, though IT services are expected to remain unaffected. Additionally, Serbia’s metal exports, while not significant to the U.S. market, could face indirect challenges as other countries impacted by tariffs might prioritize domestic supply over Serbian products.
While the U.S. is not Serbia’s primary export market, the American market is still significant, accounting for around 2% of Serbia’s total exports. Serbia’s exports to the U.S. surpassed €600 million for the first time in recent years.
Trump’s tariff policy also targets developing countries, with 70 nations facing tariffs higher than 10%. Among these, countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Syria, which are still recovering from war or economic hardship, are significantly impacted, raising concerns about the fairness of the policy. Meanwhile, more developed countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Israel, also face higher tariffs.
The U.S. decision, which was described as “reciprocal tariffs,” is seen as part of a broader move against unfair trade practices and non-monetary barriers. Trump framed these tariffs as “reduced” rates in response to global trade imbalances.
