U.S. to keep 15% reciprocal tariffs on most North Macedonian goods and exempt select products

Timeline

1. Scheduled follow-up · Aug 12, 2026
2. Scheduled follow-up · Aug 01, 2026
3. Completion due · Aug 01, 2026
4. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 08:35 PMin_progress
   Restatement of the claim: The White House joint statement asserts that the United States will maintain a 15 percent reciprocal tariff on originating goods of North Macedonia and will identify certain North Macedonian products from Annex III to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate. Progress evidence: The February 12, 2026 White House release formalizes the framework and confirms the two core tariff commitments, including ongoing maintenance of the 15% reciprocal rate and the plan to identify zero-percent-rate products from Annex III under EO 14346. This shows a negotiated framework exists and is moving toward implementing targeted tariff reductions. Status of completion: As of the article date, the commitment to publish/identify the zero-rate subset appears to be contingent on subsequent actions, such as publishing Annex III product lists and implementing related tariff changes. The White House wording indicates an intent to identify these products, but does not indicate that the list has been publicly finalized or enacted at that moment. Dates and milestones: The framework was announced February 12, 2026. Annex III referenced in EO 14346 was amended September 5, 2025, with related procedures and potential tariff adjustments publicly discussed by federal actions in 2025. The concrete milestone of publishing the eligible zero-rate products remains to be publicly evidenced in post-announcement notices. Reliability and context of sources: The primary source is a White House briefing/statement, which is an official government source and directly reflects the administration’s position. Supplementary corroboration can be sought in the federal actions surrounding EO 14346 (September 2025) and related notices, but access to some federal registers may be restricted or require API access. The framing here is consistent with executive tariff-setting authority and ongoing trade framework negotiations, with neutral language that aligns with standard government communications on reciprocal tariffs.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17507/modifying-the-scope-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures-for-implementing-trade-and
   • https://globalbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Annex-III.pdf
5. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 05:42 PMin_progress
   Restatement of the claim: The White House statement from February 12, 2026 says North Macedonia will eliminate customs duties on U.S. exports, while the United States will keep a 15% reciprocal tariff on originating North Macedonian goods and will identify Annex III products to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff. Completion hinges on publishing/identifying the zero-tariff Annex III subset and implementing the tariff framework in official notices. Progress evidence: The framework is announced in the White House joint statement. Annex III references and potential tariff adjustments were outlined in 2025 materials (Annex III). As of 2026-02-13 there is no public, confirmed publication of the exact zero-tariff subset in a tariff notice, though the framework directs Commerce/USTR action to publish such a list. Completion status: The key milestones (tariff framework adoption and zero-tariff subset publication) are described, but public confirmation of the zero-tariff subset and implementation in tariff schedules remains incomplete. The date of finalizing annexed products and corresponding notices is not stated in the release. Dates and milestones: Framework announced February 12, 2026. Annex III materials circulated September 5, 2025. Publicly available, official tariff notices confirming the zero-tariff subset were not observed by February 2026. Source reliability note: The White House release is an official primary source for policy intent; Annex III materials are publicly available but the precise zero-tariff list and implementation depend on forthcoming notices from the Commerce/USTR.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://globalbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Annex-III.pdf
   • https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3ec7b5e
6. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 03:26 PMin_progress
   Summary of claim: The claim states the United States will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on originating goods from North Macedonia and will identify some North Macedonian products to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate, in line with the February 12, 2026 White House joint statement. Evidence of progress: The White House document explicitly states: (1) the United States will maintain at 15 percent the reciprocal tariffs on originating North Macedonian goods, and (2) it will identify products from Annex III of Executive Order 14346 to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate. This signals progress toward implementing the tariff component and a path toward a targeted zero-tariff list. Status of completion: A framework and commitments have been announced, but there is no public confirmation that the Annex III zero-tariff list has been published or that specific North Macedonian products have been granted zero percent rates. The underlying authorities are documented in EO 14257 and EO 14346, with Annex III referenced, yet official tariff notices confirming the zero-tariff subset are not clearly documented in the available sources. Dates and milestones: The joint statement is dated February 12, 2026. The referenced authorities date to EO 14257 (April 2, 2005) and EO 14346 (September 5, 2025). Concrete milestones would include publication of the Annex III zero-tariff list and any implementing notices, which are not yet verified in public sources. Source reliability and balance: The primary source is an official White House briefing, a high-quality, authoritative reference for this claim. Supplemental corroboration comes from related Federal Register materials around the 2025 amendments to the reciprocal tariff framework. The assessment notes the current implementation status is not fully confirmed in public notices. Incentives context: The framework reflects U.S. trade policy aims to expand North Macedonian market access while maintaining a structured tariff regime, with decisions on the zero-tariff list likely influenced by trade balances and strategic considerations.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17507/modifying-the-scope-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures-for-implementing-trade-and-security-agreements/
   • https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-14346-modifying-the-scope-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures
7. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 02:21 PMin_progress
   The United States will maintain at 15% the reciprocal tariffs on originating goods of North Macedonia and identify Annex III products to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate, per the White House joint statement on February 12, 2026. Public documentation confirms these tariff terms and notes that further tariff modifications could follow the framework’s conclusion, but the exact Annex III zero-rate subset has not yet been published in a final tariff notice. The completion condition hinges on publishing the specific zero-rate Annex III subset and reflecting it in official tariff measures, which remains outstanding as of now.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/modifying-the-scope-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures-for-implementing-trade-and-security-agreements/
   • https://globalbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Annex-III.pdf
8. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 12:42 PMin_progress
   Claim restated: The United States will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on originating goods of North Macedonia and will identify a subset of North Macedonian products from Annex III to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff. Status check: The White House joint statement from February 12, 2026 confirms the framework and states that North Macedonia will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff and that the zero-percent subset will be identified from Annex III, but it does not indicate that the Annex III subset has already been published or implemented (White House, 2026-02-12). Evidence of progress: The key progress is the bilateral agreement framework itself, which codifies the 15% rate and the commitment to identify zero-rate products from Annex III. The formal publication or formal notices listing specific Annex III products for zero tariff have not been cited in public White House materials as of February 2026. The referenced Annex III process is described in related executive-action texts and Federal Register discussions, but specific North Macedonia product identifications remain outstanding (White House, 2026-02-12; Federal Register discussions, 2025). Ongoing status and milestones: The completion condition—publishing and implementing the zero-rate subset—has not been publicly fulfilled according to the available White House briefings. The document specifies the intent to finalize such identifications after concluding the framework, with further tariff adjustments possible thereafter (White House, 2026-02-12). Source reliability: The principal, original source is a White House joint statement, which is the official record of the agreement’s terms. Related details appear in Federal Register and trade-law analyses, which corroborate the existence of Annex III as a mechanism for potential zero-rate products but do not confirm a published list for North Macedonia yet (White House, 2026-02-12; Federal Register, 2025). Notes on incentives: The framework links tariff relief to negotiated alignment with U.S. priorities and may influence both countries’ regulatory reforms and compliance actions. No new policy rhetoric appears beyond the stated terms; thus, incentives align with completing Annex III product identifications to unlock tariff relief if negotiations proceed.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17507/modifying-the-scope-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures-for-implementing-trade-and
9. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 10:14 AMin_progress
   Claim restatement: The claim asserts that the United States will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on originating goods of North Macedonia and will identify a subset of North Macedonian products to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff, per applicable executive orders. Evidence of progress: On February 12, 2026, the White House joint statement framework confirms that North Macedonia and the United States have agreed to a framework for reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade. Key terms include North Macedonia eliminating customs duties on U.S. goods and the United States maintaining a 15% reciprocal tariff on North Macedonian originating goods, with a list from Annex III identified as eligible for a zero percent rate. The document also notes ongoing consultations and potential further tariff adjustments in the future. Current status and completion: The framework action indicates progress toward an agreement and outlines the tariff stance, but the exact publication/identification of specific Annex III products to receive zero percent tariffs appears not to have been publicly finalized or implemented as of the date of the statement. The White House text states intent to finalize the Agreement and prepare it for signature, suggesting the zero-rate product list remains contingent on the final agreement and domestic procedures. Dates and milestones: The joint statement is dated February 12, 2026, signaling a formal framework milestone. The referenced Annex III list originates from a September 5, 2025 update to the applicable executive orders, with follow-on implementation actions to be carried out by Commerce, DHS, and USTR as part of EO 14346. No public notice of a finalized zero-percent list for North Macedonian goods appears in the cited sources. Source reliability and incentives: The primary source is a White House joint statement, a highly reliable official document for policy commitments. Related references to executive orders and the Annex III mechanism come from federal-level notices (e.g., EO 14346 and related guidance), which are credible for assessing tariff policy changes. Given the stated framework and ongoing negotiations, the report remains cautious: the stated tariff posture is in effect as part of the framework, but the specific zero-percent product list and its implementation depend on concluding the Agreement and issuing formal notices.
   • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
   • https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/DCPD-202500896/pdf/DCPD-202500896.pdf
   • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17507/modifying-the-scope-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-establishing-procedures-for-implementing-trade-and
   • https://globalbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Annex-III.pdf
10. Update · Feb 13, 2026, 07:18 AMin_progress
    Restatement of the claim: The White House stated that the United States will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff on originating goods from North Macedonia and will identify some North Macedonian products (from Annex III) to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate. Evidence of progress so far: A joint statement dated February 12, 2026, outlines the framework terms, explicitly preserving the 15% reciprocal tariff on North Macedonia-originating goods and flagging the potential to select Annex III products for a zero-rate treatment. The statement also notes forthcoming efforts to finalize the broader agreement and to consider additional tariff modifications after concluding the agreement. What remains in progress or unclear: There is no publicly published list of the specific Annex III products that would receive a zero percent rate as of the date analyzed. The framework references identifying eligible products, but no finalized, published subset appears to have been issued publicly yet. Dates and milestones (as available): The framework announcement is dated February 12, 2026. The joint statement contemplates future identification of Annex III products and potential further tariff modifications after the Agreement is concluded, but concrete milestones or an effective date for any zero-rate entries have not been publicly disclosed. Reliability and context of sources: The primary source is an official White House joint statement, which provides the explicit policy terms and the stated intent. While USTR and other agencies have issued related materials, there remains a lack of a public, finalized list of zero-rate products. Given the high-level nature of the document, the information is reliable for current policy direction but incomplete for implementation specifics. Follow-up note: To confirm completion, monitor official notices or amendments (Executive Order updates or Federal Register communications) for the publication of Annex III product listings and any implemented tariff changes stemming from the reciprocal trade framework.
    • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/02/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-united-states-north-macedonia-agreement-on-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade/
    • https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/fact-sheets/2026/february/fact-sheet-united-states-and-north-macedonia-reach-framework-agreement-reciprocal-trade
    • https://globalbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Annex-III.pdf
11. Original article · Feb 12, 2026
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