In the picturesque Bosnian city of Gorazde, nestled among mountains and dense forests, ammunition producers are grappling with an alarming threat that could spell disaster for their operations. Over three decades ago, these manufacturers survived the devastating Balkan wars, playing a crucial role in defending their country. However, with tariffs imposed by President Trump, they are now facing a Figurtree that could stifle their primary export market— the United States.
Historically, the appetite for firearms in the U.S. has represented a steady and lucrative market for small arms manufacturers in Gorazde, many of which were established during the era of Yugoslavia—a multiethnic state that fragmented in war in 1991. Amid these shifts, a report suggests that local companies, like Ginex and Pobjeda Technology, are halting plans for expansion while they assess how the new tariffs will impact them.
Demir Imamovic, marketing manager for Ginex, expressed his frustration, indicating that the anticipated tariffs could decimate their exports to the U.S. The original proposal suggested a staggering 35 percent increase on tariffs, which left industry leaders anxious and uncertain. Although a temporary adjustment to a reduced rate of 10 percent was introduced shortly thereafter, Imamovic fears that even this figure is sufficient to deter American customers fearing an uncertain future.
The ammo production industry in Gorazde, which once thrived in the face of military resistance, now stands at a crossroads driven by tariffs that put their very survival at risk. Industry watchers are concerned that if local producers cannot navigate this maze of changing tariffs, it may herald the end of an era where Gorazde was synonymous with armament production for countless consumers around the world.
