As of 1 January 2013, the government will revoke or reduce duty rates of intermediate goods for spare cart parts, polythene sheet, machine tools, railway freight cars and buses to provide direct support to five economic branches.

"The revoking of duty rates for these goods aims at improving conditions for local manufacturers, developing the industry and increasing export activities on foreign markets," Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said at Sunday's press conference.

"By drastically reducing and revoking duty rates, the government directly supports five-six sectors that are vital for the Macedonian industry, including manufacturers of car parts, metalworking, transport companies, food processing firms, in circumstances when they are faced with the consequences from the global economic crisis. We are once again continuing with measures that are beneficial for the economy," Stavreski said.

The reduction of duty rates as a measure was adopted by the government in cooperation with the business community and its demands.

Each year, the Macedonian government harmonises customs tariffs for the next year in line with the obligations towards the World Trade Organisation and EU.