Beef and buffalo meat market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The beef and buffalo meat market in Bosnia and Herzegovina expanded from 39 229 t in 2018 to 54 403 t in 2024. Domestic production more than doubled by 2020, supported by the country's favorable conditions for livestock farming, particularly in its traditional mountainous regions. Imports remained the dominant supply source, driving overall market volume growth throughout most of the period.

A significant regulatory shift occurred in 2022 with a complete ban on beef imports from South America due to abuses in previous shipments. This policy change altered import sourcing patterns and coincided with domestic farmers' concerns over high import levels, which spurred calls for protective tariffs. During this year, increased domestic production helped offset a slight dip in imports, leading to a stabilized market size.

Market volume continued to climb, peaking at 55 117 t in 2023 before a minor correction in 2024. The market's value in monetary terms followed a strong upward trajectory, rising from $176.9 million in 2020 to over $300 million in 2024, reflecting sustained consumer demand and higher import values in later years.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of beef and buffalo meat in Bosnia and Herzegovina was $93,492,000 US, marking a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 11,509 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2020, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.7 times. In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina produced 17,744 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, reflecting an 11.6% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 70.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, t

Market performance exhibited significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied dramatically, with the lowest point in 2019 at 147 tonnes and the highest in 2018, showing a 28-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat from Bosnia and Herzegovina totaled 1,238 tonnes, which is 51.5% less than in 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 96.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 1,636.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the structure of exports in kind was dominated by a single market: Turkey, which accounted for 97.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The span from 2018 to 2019 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 33 times, with the minimum value recorded in 2019 at $0.8 million US. In 2021, cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat from Bosnia and Herzegovina were valued at $7.2 million US, down by 52.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 96.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 1,909.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the partner structure of exports in value terms was dominated by Turkey, which consistently accounted for 98.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina imported 34,604 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, representing a 16.4% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 29,736 tonnes. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 8.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Italy (30.7% of imports in kind), the Netherlands (27.6% of imports in kind), and Poland (22.5% of imports in kind) together absorbed 80.9% of total imports in kind of beef and buffalo meat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them the main sources.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina imported approximately $130.6 million US of beef and buffalo meat, equivalent to a 35.5% rise over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at $96.4 million US. Over the period 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands (31.4% of imports in value terms), Italy (30.3% of imports in value terms), and Poland (19.3% of imports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms, together comprising 81.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021