Trump slaps 30% tariff on Bosnian exports to US, citing trade imbalance

The letter, dated July 7 and bearing the official seal of the White House, states that the US has for years attempted to maintain a balanced trade relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, President Trump cites long-standing tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by Bosnia on American goods as the reason for “persistent and deeply entrenched trade deficits.”

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal,” the letter reads, noting that the newly imposed 30% tariff will apply to all Bosnian products entering the United States, separate from existing sectoral tariffs. Goods rerouted through third countries in an attempt to bypass these tariffs will also face the same rate.

Trump emphasised that this action is necessary to protect the US economy and national security, calling Bosnia’s trade practices a source of “unsustainable trade deficits.” He added that there will be no tariffs on Bosnian products built or manufactured within the United States, encouraging companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina to invest directly in the American market. The US, Trump said, will ensure “quick, professional, and routine” approval for such operations.

“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then… it will be added onto the 30% that we charge,” Trump warned in the letter.

This marks the most sweeping US trade measure targeting Bosnia to date, and reflects a more aggressive posture on trade under President Trump’s second term in office.