Gypsum, anhydrite and limestone market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The market for gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina saw its volume in kind peak at 2 953 thousand tonnes in 2022 before declining to 1 979 thousand tonnes in 2024. In value terms, the market grew consistently, reaching 20.3 million US dollars by 2024. The initial growth in physical volume was supported by ongoing state infrastructure projects, which sustained demand for construction stone throughout the period.

The expansion of exploration activity by Adriatic Metals BH in the Saski Do area in 2022 indicated increased investment in the extraction of calcareous stone, coinciding with the year's production high. Subsequently, a study in 2023 highlighted potential quality concerns regarding gypsum due to calcium-sulfate content near harmful limits, which may have affected demand. Regulatory challenges also emerged, as inspections in 2022 found that a concrete plant was installed near the Rupice mine without proper permits, potentially disrupting related operations.

While the market's monetary value continued to rise, likely reflecting higher prices, the physical volume contraction in 2023 and 2024 marked a significant shift. The combination of quality considerations and regulatory oversight developments contributed to this downturn in production and overall market volume.

Production gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

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

Exports gypsum, anhydrite and limestone from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone from Bosnia and Herzegovina fell for the second year in a row. In 2019, exports reached their highest level at 105.0 K t, with a significant increase of 17.9% that year. By 2021, exports had dropped to 88.1 K t, marking a 13.8% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Croatia was the main destination for exports in kind, making up 81.1% of the total. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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, K $ US

After rising for two years, the value of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina declined. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase of 11.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 1 383 K $ US. By 2021, exports had fallen to 1 314 K $ US, down 5.0% from 2020. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 12.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Croatia was the dominant buyer of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms, accounting for 82.4% of total exports. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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 gypsum, anhydrite and limestone to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 967.2%, followed by the largest decline in 2020 at 81.8%. By 2021, imports surged to 3.0 K t, a dramatic increase of 683.9% year-over-year, reaching the peak for the period. Overall, imports varied widely, with a 15-fold difference between the lowest and highest points.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Croatia and Slovenia were the primary sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 94.9% of total flows. Other markets shared the small remaining portion.

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, K $ US

Import values exhibited notable volatility during the 2018-2021 period. In 2018, imports were at their lowest. The largest increase happened in 2019, rising by 791.7%, while the largest decline was in 2020 at 66.3%. By 2021, imports peaked at 87 K $ US, up 475.8% from the previous year. Over the entire span, imports fluctuated sharply, with a 17-fold difference between the trough and peak.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Turkey were the leading suppliers of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms. Croatia accounted for 56.8% of imports, North Macedonia for 13.5%, and Turkey for 12.2%, together making up 82.5% 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