Bosnia plans to impose a 30% tariff on steel imports for 200 days, according to eKapija.
Bosnia’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations has prepared the proposal in response to a request from local steelmaker Nova Zeljezara Zenica. “It is subject to approval by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina following public consultations. The rationale for this move is to protect local production,” authorities are quoted as saying.
Ministry data show the overall increase in reinforcing mesh imports to Bosnia last year was 192.87% compared to the four-year average. Serbia was the main supplier, providing over 9,000 tonnes, a 408% increase over the 2021-2024 period, according to the ministry data.
Imports of rebar in coils from Turkey in 2025 increased by 885% compared to the four-year average, while imports of rod increased by 229.56%.
Italy ranked second with imports of 7,794t, double the previous period’s figure, Kallanish notes.
The ministry views this as obvious pressure from foreign manufacturers selling their products in Bosnia, while local capacity remains unused. “This practice threatens the overall stability of the construction sector, as consumers become dependent on imported products already present on the domestic market,” the ministry notes.
The Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina (VTK/STKBiH) urged Bosnian authorities to lodge a complaint with Serbia and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) joint committee over Serbia’s new steel import quotas.
The quotas are in effect since 1 January and impact rebar, wire rod and hot and cold rolled steel, with a 50% duty imposed on imports above the allocated tonnages (see Kallanish passim). The measure is valid for six months.
