Shielded by mountains and thick forests, Gorazde, a city known for its ammunition production, has weathered many storms since the Balkan wars of the early 1990s. This time, however, the adversity comes in the form of tariffs imposed by President Trump, targeting a vast array of imports including those from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gorazde's ammunition factories, which were established during the Yugoslav era, have long relied on the United States as a key customer. The region's manufacturers, such as Ginex, known for producing firearm ignition devices, are now facing significant challenges stemming from the new trade policies. The initial tariff rate of 35 percent announced in early April was quickly revised to a temporary rate of 10 percent, yet both rates could jeopardize exports.
Demir Imamovic, marketing manager for Ginex, expressed his concerns, stating, “It would stop all our exports.” The threat of a potential tariff increase has left manufacturers in a state of limbo, as clarity regarding future rates remains elusive. With mounting apprehension, these companies fear that even a 10 percent duty could deter American buyers crucial for their business, revealing a substantial ripple effect from U.S. trade decisions in an otherwise quiet Balkan valley.
