Fresh or chilled beef market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for fresh or chilled beef in Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced notable fluctuations. Volume grew from 45 345 tons in 2018 to 51 132 tons in 2019, then contracted to 45 425 tons in 2020 before recovering to 49 351 tons in 2021. Over this period, the market's value increased from $185.8 million to $209.2 million, reflecting higher prices or a change in the product mix.

From 2022, the market dynamics were increasingly influenced by a surge in imports, particularly from the Netherlands and Italy. This influx led domestic producers to advocate for protective tariffs and taxes, while concerns over the quality of imported meat sold as fresh spurred calls for stricter origin labeling and quality controls. Market volume peaked at 53 098 tons in 2023, but domestic production faced pressure from rising costs and unstable conditions, falling to 14 137 tons in 2024 and contributing to a slight market contraction to 51 967 tons. By 2025, import volumes had declined to 28 386 tons with exports ceasing, indicating continued market adjustments.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output value of fresh or chilled beef in Bosnia and Herzegovina reached 93.5 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production declined by 16.4%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 5.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 87.3 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 21.9%, while the largest increase was observed in 2020 at 9.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina produced 17 744 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, representing an 11.6% decrease from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 10.1%, averaging an annual decline of 3.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 20 071 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a growth of 2.4%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed considerable volatility throughout the period. Exports fluctuated significantly, dropping from a peak in 2018 to a low in 2019, with a 33-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported 1 218 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, a sharp decline of 52.3% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 123 tonnes. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 97.0%, while the largest increase was seen in 2020, soaring by 1 977.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey dominated Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms, accounting for 98.4% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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 marked by high volatility during these years. Export values peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a 37-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported fresh or chilled beef worth 7.1 million US dollars, a decrease of 52.7% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.7 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 97.3%, while the largest increase was observed in 2020, surging by 2 149.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Turkey and Serbia together constituted the primary buyers of fresh or chilled beef from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms, accounting for 99.5% of total exports.

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 fresh or chilled beef to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina imported 32 825 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, reflecting a notable increase of 17.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 27 910 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 11.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy (32.0% of import volume), the Netherlands (28.9% of import volume), and Poland (22.9% of import volume) were the main suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.8% of total imports in volume terms.

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 fresh or chilled beef worth 122.8 million US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 37.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 89.2 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 11.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands (33.0% of import value), Italy (32.3% of import value), and Poland (19.9% of import value) were the largest suppliers of fresh or chilled beef to Bosnia and Herzegovina in monetary terms. Collectively, these three countries represented 85.2% of total imports by value.

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