Butter, dairy spreads and milk fats market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, import values for butter and dairy fats in North Macedonia initially fell from 5 089 thousand USD to 4 141 thousand USD before recovering to 4 443 thousand USD. The measurable market size stood at 4 883 thousand USD in 2020. This period saw consumer trends shift toward natural and minimally processed ingredients, influencing demand for dairy products, while global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic also affected market conditions.

Market growth accelerated from 2021, with the value reaching 6 392 thousand USD. A new law on packaging and packaging waste management introduced that year set national recycling targets, affecting product packaging standards. In 2022, a key development was Serbia's extension of its ban on dairy exports, which included an exception for North Macedonia, securing stable import flows and supporting the market's expansion to 7 302 thousand USD. Concurrent government measures to cap margins and freeze prices on butter and margarine aimed to control consumer costs during a period of recorded price increases.

After a modest correction to 6 831 thousand USD in 2023, the market rebounded strongly to 8 198 thousand USD in 2024. This recovery was underpinned by a significant rise in imports, which climbed to 7 583 thousand USD, indicating sustained demand and improved supply availability in the later years of the period.

Production butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

North Macedonia's production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 102 tonnes, which represents a sharp decrease of 99.0% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 99.2%, with an average annual decline of 79.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 21-fold difference between these years. In 2020, North Macedonia exported 9 tonnes of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, marking a sharp contraction of 81.5% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the leading destinations for North Macedonia's exports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 21.9% of exports, Albania for 9.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2.8%, together representing 34.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed notable volatility over these years. Export values reached their highest point in 2017 and dropped to their lowest in 2020, showing a 21-fold difference. In 2020, the value of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats exported from North Macedonia was 41 000 US dollars, down by 82.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina played key roles in the value structure of North Macedonia's butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats exports. Serbia contributed 22.0% of export value, Albania 10.7%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.4%, collectively accounting for 35.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020

Imports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia imported 1 015 tonnes of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, which is 15.9% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 23.8%, with an average annual increase of 7.4%. The largest decline was seen in 2019, at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Serbia, and France were the primary sources for North Macedonia's imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in volume terms. Germany made up 50.5% of imports, Serbia 23.7%, and France 7.8%, together accounting for 82.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, North Macedonia's imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats were valued at 4 443 000 US dollars, representing a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 11.2%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 089 000 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 18.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 27.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, Germany, Serbia, and France formed the main cluster of markets for North Macedonia's imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in value terms. Germany accounted for 54.5% of import value, Serbia for 16.2%, and France for 10.2%, with a combined share of 80.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020