At ABC Companies, we’ve always prioritized long-term partnerships and proactive planning. As recent discussions surrounding reciprocal tariffs have developed, our leadership team has remained focused on executing a strategy designed well before these headlines surfaced, ensuring stability for our customers and partners amid a shifting global trade environment.
As part of that strategy, ABC CEO Roman Cornell recently traveled to North Macedonia, where he met with the Prime Minister alongside leadership from VDL Groep. The meeting was both productive and encouraging, reaffirming mutual support and the strength of our international manufacturing partnership.
In addition to the meeting with the Prime Minister, Roman and the VDL team also met with the Economic/Commercial Officer from the U.S. Embassy and the Netherlands Ambassador to North Macedonia, further emphasizing the importance of international collaboration at this critical time.
While full details of the discussions will be shared in the coming days, the message was clear: North Macedonia values its relationship with Van Hool — one of the country’s largest manufacturers — and with ABC as a long-standing trade partner. The Prime Minister voiced strong support for our partnership and for the continued success of Van Hool’s operations in the region, an important affirmation as we continue navigating the implications of the newly implemented tariffs.
This meeting represents a key milestone in the strategic approach we’ve taken over the last year. Well before the formal announcement of reciprocal tariff changes, ABC began working closely with external legal counsel, trade associations, lobbying partners, and elected officials to monitor the evolving policy landscape and prepare accordingly. Our relationship with North Macedonia spans more than a decade, with over $2 billion in vehicle imports to the U.S. market. That kind of long-term investment demands foresight, and that’s exactly how we’ve approached this moment.
Our team continues to work closely with legal experts, policy advisors, and lobbying partners to assess the situation and identify constructive paths forward. Our goal remains to work toward a mutually beneficial agreement — one that maintains trade flow, supports U.S. transportation businesses, and preserves North Macedonia’s industrial momentum.
While there is still more to come, we are encouraged by the positive tone of these recent conversations and the strong show of support from North Macedonia’s leadership. This is a pivotal time, and our approach has always been grounded in long-term thinking, collaboration, and transparency.
We remain committed to keeping our stakeholders informed as developments unfold. For now, we view this meeting as a meaningful step forward and a clear sign that aligned values, open dialogue, and strategic planning are making a difference.
