Chalk and dolomite market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the North Macedonian chalk and dolomite market underwent substantial changes in both volume and value. Production volume increased from 180.8 thousand tons in 2018 to a high of 192.0 thousand tons in 2019, then entered a prolonged decline, falling to 96.2 thousand tons by 2023. A sharp recovery followed in 2024, with output rising to 161.4 thousand tons. The total physical market size mirrored this pattern, peaking at 192.9 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting and then rebounding to 160.3 thousand tons.

The market's value trajectory differed notably from its volume. While production value reached $1.5 million in 2019, it fell sharply to $611 thousand in 2022. A subsequent partial recovery brought it to $946 thousand in 2024. Similarly, the total market value declined from $1.6 million in 2018 to a low of $580 thousand in 2022, indicating a period of significantly lower realized prices or a shift in product mix before values improved in the final two years of the period.

Production chalk and dolomite in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of growth, chalk and dolomite production in North Macedonia experienced a decline. In 2019, output reached its peak at 1 510 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, it had fallen to 1 116 thousand US dollars, marking a 26.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 15.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.6%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of expansion, chalk and dolomite production in North Macedonia saw a downturn. In 2019, production peaked at 192.0 thousand tonnes, but in 2020, it dropped to 134.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 29.8% decrease compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 24.1%.

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

Exports chalk and dolomite from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their highest point in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2019, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2019, chalk and dolomite shipments from North Macedonia abroad were at a minimum of 144 tonnes, but by 2020, they had surged to 389 tonnes, a 170.3% increase year-over-year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, at 68.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia and Albania remained the primary buyers of chalk and dolomite from North Macedonia, together accounting for 55.3% of total exports in volume terms.

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

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Exports hit a high in 2017 and dropped to a low in 2019, with a 4.4-fold variation. In 2019, the value of exported chalk and dolomite from North Macedonia was at its minimum of 6.2 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, it had risen dramatically to 21.6 thousand US dollars, a 245.8% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 65.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia and Albania continued to be the main buyers of chalk and dolomite from North Macedonia, representing 57.6% of total exports in value terms.

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 chalk and dolomite to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

Imported chalk and dolomite volumes in North Macedonia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 639 tonnes, down by 39.5% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 77.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -39.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in volume terms was dominated by a single market: Greece, which accounted for 98.9% of total 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

Imported chalk and dolomite volumes in North Macedonia declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 91.7 thousand US dollars, a steep drop of 36.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 75.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -37.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece was overwhelmingly the main source for imports in value terms of chalk and dolomite to North Macedonia, making up 96.3% of total 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