Xifres de comerç exterior de Macedònia del Nord

Foreign Trade in Figures

North Macedonia has an open economy and is highly integrated into international trade, with a total trade-to-GDP ratio of over 171% (World Bank, latest data available). According to data from the State Statistical Office, in 2022 the country mainly exported supported catalysts containing precious metals or their compounds as active substances, ignition wiring sets, other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircraft, or ships, parts of seats falling under subgroup 821.1, and other supported catalysts. Regarding imports, the key products comprise petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals (excluding crude), other metals of the platinum group and their alloys in unwrought or powdered form, unwrought or powdered platinum and platinum alloys, and motor vehicles for transporting individuals, not elsewhere specified.

In 2023, the country’s main export partners were Germany, which accounted for almost half of the total exports alone (44%), Serbia (4.8%), Kosovo (4.8%), Bulgaria (4.4%), and Greece (3.7%); with the main import origins being Germany (24.8%), the United Kingdom (7.8%), Greece (6.9%), China (5.7%), and Serbia (5.6% - data State Statistical Office). Overall, the EU accounted for 78.6% of total exports and 49.1% of imports. North Macedonia became a member of the WTO (World Trade Organisation) in April 2003. Following a cooperation agreement with the EU, North Macedonia signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which concedes the country duty-free access to European markets. Lastly, in 2006, the country became a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), generally considered the antechamber of the EU.

North Macedonia's trade structure has been traditionally in deficit. In 2022, the country exported goods worth USD 8.7 billion – a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year – importing USD 12.7 billion (+12% y-o-y). With regard to services, North Macedonia exported USD 2.4 billion in commercial services, importing USD 1.6 billion (data by WTO). The World Bank estimated the country’s 2022 overall trade deficit at 21% of GDP (from 15.8% one year earlier). According to preliminary data from the State Statistical Office, the total value of exported goods from the Republic of North Macedonia in the period January-December 2023 amounted to USD 8.3 billion, a 0.3% increase compared to the same period one year earlier; whereas the value of imported goods stood at USD 11.1 billion, 8.1% less year-on-year.