Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that the United States will temporarily eliminate tariffs on imports from Serbia starting tonight, according to Serbian time. The tariffs, which had been set at 35%, will be reduced to zero for a limited period. After that, Vučić said he expects the tariff rate to increase to approximately 10–12%.
“At some point, the tariff will be around 10 to 12 percent, but starting tonight—and for some time—it will be zero percent,” Vučić said during an interview with Serbia’s public broadcaster, Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
Tariff Suspension Could Attract New Investments
Vučić described the decision as highly significant for Serbia’s economy, arguing that the previous 35% U.S. tariffs had been one of the main obstacles to attracting new foreign investment and expanding Serbian exports to the American market. 
He recalled that during his recent visit to Japan he met with representatives of several companies that cited the U.S. tariffs on Serbian goods as one of the reasons for postponing investment projects in Serbia.
“I believe this will literally bring hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments,” the president said, adding that he expects additional investments from companies already operating in Serbia, while also viewing the decision as a strong signal to potential Japanese, South Korean, and other international investors.
Why the United States Lifted the Tariffs
Vučić explained that U.S. authorities reviewed trade relations with Serbia through four separate assessments.
According to him, the reviews covered forced labor, unfair trade practices, the pharmaceutical industry and drug pricing, and digital taxes.
He said that following these assessments, Serbia was removed from the list of countries subject to measures related to unfair trade practices, while it was not included in U.S. restrictions in the other reviewed areas.
“This Opens a New Era in Serbia-U.S. Relations”
Speaking about relations with the United States, Vučić said Serbia maintains intensive communication with the U.S. administration. He also expressed gratitude to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump.
“This opens a new era in our relations,” Vučić said.
The Serbian president added that he had been pleasantly surprised by the positive public reaction to the announcement.
“I am happy because of the pride of the Serbian people and the dignity of our nation and our country. I did not expect people to be so pleased. To be honest, that makes me happy,” he said.
Optimistic About a Resolution for NIS Within a Month
Vučić also addressed ongoing talks concerning Serbia’s oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), saying that for the first time he is optimistic about negotiations involving Serbia, Russia, and Hungary.
“For the first time, I can say this as good news—I am optimistic about the outcome of the talks between the Russians, Hungarians, and Serbs,” Vučić stated.
According to him, a final agreement could be reached within the next month, which, he believes, would further strengthen Serbia’s fiscal stability and improve the country’s credit rating.
Concern Over the Global Oil Market
Commenting on the energy situation, Vučić said conditions on the global oil market are more challenging than ever and stressed that Serbia must carefully manage its energy supply.
He pointed to the exceptionally low water level of the Danube River as one of the key problems, explaining that it has made barge navigation and the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products more difficult. He added that, in order to ensure stable fuel supplies, the Serbian government has allowed companies to use part of the country’s operational fuel reserves.
