U.S. midterms on 3 November 2026 — what the result could mean for North Macedonia

More than 54 million Americans had already voted early before Election Day, and on 3 November 2026 voters across the United States went to the polls in midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress for the next two years. The outcome matters beyond Washington: shifts in U.S. trade policy and tariffs could ripple through global supply chains and indirectly affect North Macedonia’s exporters and factories.

How a U.S. congressional shift could reach Macedonian industry

North Macedonia’s economy is closely tied to the European market, and that link is the main channel through which American trade decisions may be felt here. In 2025, 76 percent of Macedonian exports were destined for European Union member states, with Germany alone accounting for 36 percent of total exports.

That concentration means changes in transatlantic commerce — for example, new U.S. tariffs on European goods or retaliatory measures — could reduce demand for European-made cars and components. Several Macedonian factories produce automotive wiring, seats, catalytic converters and other parts for the European car industry; a fall in European car shipments to the U.S. could prompt smaller orders from those suppliers.

The likely local consequences are lower exports, reduced production and pressure on employment in parts of the domestic manufacturing sector. The International Monetary Fund flagged these risks in its report on North Macedonia in 2026, noting that trade restrictions and weaker demand from the EU could hurt Macedonian exports, industry and economic growth.

Beyond indirect effects through EU trade, North Macedonia also has direct commercial ties with the United States. In February 2026 the two countries announced a framework for a new trade agreement intended to regulate tariffs and ease bilateral commerce; the direction of future U.S. policy will shape how that process advances.

Political control of Congress matters because if Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers they could increase pressure on the administration to reconsider tariffs and open investigations into their economic impact. At the same time, the president retains veto power and broad trade authorities, so a change in congressional majority would not automatically eliminate existing tariffs. If Republicans keep control, the administration would likely face fewer congressional constraints to continue its current agenda.

These midterm elections are held halfway through the president’s four-year term. Voters were choosing all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 senators on 3 November 2026. Initial results were expected during the night toward Wednesday, 4 November, Macedonian time.

Photo: press material from the event