Grapes market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The grape market in North Macedonia experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2022. After a decline to 231 700 tonnes in 2019, the market volume rebounded to 291 400 tonnes in 2020, then contracted to 244 200 tonnes in 2021. By 2022, the market stabilized at 245 700 tonnes, supported by government measures introduced that year, including additional payments of 2 denars per kilogram for grapes delivered to registered processing facilities and negotiated higher purchase prices for wine grape varieties.

In 2023, however, the market volume dropped sharply to 131 400 tonnes, a decrease of nearly 50% compared to the previous year. This decline occurred despite the launch of the National Strategy for Viticulture and Winemaking 2023-2033 and the continuation of subsidy programs aimed at modernizing vineyards and supporting exports. The strategy outlined directions for quality improvement and geographic indications, but external factors not captured in the available sources likely led to the significant reduction in production and consumption.

Entering 2024, new regulations came into force, replacing previous rules and implementing EU delegated regulations on wine production and trade. The Ministry also set new monthly purchase tariffs for grapes, raising the price for key varieties. These changes are reshaping the operational framework for grape producers and processors in the country.

Production grapes in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 317.6 thousand tons of grapes, representing a significant increase of 22.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 76.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 12.1%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, with a growth of 63.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape production in North Macedonia reached 171.3 million US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 33.7% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, the production value increased by 89.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 23.7%. The largest decrease was observed in 2019, with a drop of 10.4%, whereas the highest increase occurred in 2018, with growth of 58.2%.

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

Exports grapes from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

Grape exports from North Macedonia declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with volumes reaching 26 796 tons, down by 4.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 610 tons. The largest decline took place in 2019, with an 11.7% drop, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, with growth of 11.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia's grape exports in kind were distributed across a broad range of partners. Serbia accounted for 29.7% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 9.0%, and Montenegro for 8.5%, with these three countries together representing 47.3% 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

In 2020, North Macedonia's grape exports in value terms amounted to 14 457 thousand US dollars, showing a year-on-year increase of 4.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 816 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 15 358 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 10.0% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018, with growth of 8.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, North Macedonia's grape exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Serbia held a 32.9% share, Albania 5.1%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 5.1%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 43.2% 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 grapes to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia imported 613 tons of grapes, showing only a marginal change compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 855 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 28.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with growth of 60.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey was the main supplier of grapes to North Macedonia, accounting for 47.2% of imports in kind, followed by Iran with 31.0%, and Serbia with 4.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 82.8% of total imports in kind.

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

After two years of growth, grape imports into North Macedonia declined in 2020, with a value of 799 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp decrease of 22.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 1 023 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with growth of 46.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia's grape imports in value terms were largely focused on Turkey and Iran, whose combined share reached 87.0% of total flows, with other sources playing a minor role.

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

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