Under the shadow of mountains, the ammunition factories in Gorazde have a storied history, producing essential supplies during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s. Today, these companies, such as Ginex and Pobjeda Technology, face a new challenge: the tariffs initiated by President Trump. In early April, a series of tariff changes targeted nearly all trading partners of the U.S., including Bosnia, leading to uncertainty for exporters.

Ginex, a local firm renowned for producing ignition devices known as primers, finds itself at a standstill. Marketing Manager Demir Imamovic expresses concerns about the fluctuating tariffs — an alarming potential rise to 35% was initially announced, later modified to a reduced 10%. "Even that revised rate could impair our business, scaring off American clients," he cautioned.

The ramifications of these tariffs extend beyond individual companies, reverberating through Gorazde's economy and signaling a precarious future for an industry that once thrived under the secure demand from U.S. markets. As these manufacturers grapple with the uncertainties ahead, the local workforce's livelihood and the industry's survival remain at significant risk.