Gypsum, anhydrite and limestone market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2021 and 2022, production of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in North Macedonia jumped from 414.6 thousand tons to 685.4 thousand tons, while the market volume increased from 397.8 thousand tons to 654 thousand tons. This growth was largely attributed to the 2021 Law on Packaging and Packaging Waste Management, which set binding collection targets and spurred demand for these raw materials in construction and industrial applications.

In 2023, physical market volume dipped to 610.2 thousand tons, though the market value rose to 5.4 million USD, reflecting higher unit prices or a shift in the product mix. Ongoing legislative alignment with EU standards continued to shape the sector's environment. For 2024, the government announced new concessions for limestone extraction and adopted a national Smart Specialization Strategy, highlighting continued state activity in developing the mineral resources market.

Production gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in North Macedonia

According to Faostat, there is no production of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in North Macedonia.

Exports gypsum, anhydrite and limestone from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, North Macedonia's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone declined. In 2020, the export volume was 28 532 tonnes, marking a significant drop of 23.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 12.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 502 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 29.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of North Macedonia's exports in kind was dominated by Serbia and Greece, which together accounted for 78.8% 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

Following two years of gains, the value of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone exports from North Macedonia declined. In 2020, the export value stood at 379.0 thousand US dollars, representing a strong decrease of 13.1% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 28.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 435.9 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual increase of 23.9% also occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia and Greece were the main markets for North Macedonia's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in value terms, jointly representing 79.6% 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 gypsum, anhydrite and limestone to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

Gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone imports into North Macedonia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports reached 809 tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-on-year gain of 89.0%. From 2017 to 2019, imports grew by 108.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone to North Macedonia were almost entirely tied to Albania, which accounted for 97.8% 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

The market for gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone imports into North Macedonia showed volatility during these years. Import volumes reached their lowest level in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2019, imports amounted to 10.1 thousand US dollars, constituting an increase of 108.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4.9 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline of 44.7% also occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal suppliers of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone to North Macedonia in value terms were Albania (61.4% of imports), Italy (18.3% of imports), and Turkey (10.1% of imports), together accounting for 89.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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