Insulated wire and optical fibre cables market in Croatia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Production of insulated wire and optical fibre cables in Croatia increased from 36.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 49.2 thousand tons in 2024. This growth was supported by investments in manufacturing capacity, such as the new production line opened by Elka d.o.o. in 2024 and the ongoing modernization of state-owned companies including HEP. Exports also rose significantly, reaching 78.5 thousand tons in 2024, aided by compliance with European standards and enhanced competitiveness.

Domestic market volume showed mixed dynamics: after declining to 14.1 thousand tons in 2022, it surged to 21.1 thousand tons in 2023. This rebound was linked to increased investment in optical networks and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as the introduction of new technical standards for medium-voltage cables in 2021, which stimulated replacement of outdated cables. Additionally, growing demand for cables with higher fire safety and flexibility supported consumption.

Throughout the period, regulatory changes such as updates to grid rules for transmission and distribution systems, along with harmonization with European labeling and safety standards, continued to shape market conditions. These factors influenced demand from the power and telecom sectors and raised product quality requirements.

Production insulated wire and optical fibre cables in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's production of insulated wire and optical fibre cables declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 118.4 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 5.4% from 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 128.0 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 25.8% recorded that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Insulated wire and optical fibre cables production in Croatia increased in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Croatia produced 38 202 tonnes, up by 1.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports insulated wire and optical fibre cables from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Insulated wire and optical fibre cables exports from Croatia increased in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 50 671 tonnes, representing a moderate rise of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 21.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Italy were the principal buyers of insulated wire and optical fibre cables from Croatia in volume terms. Germany accounted for 39.3% of exports, Austria for 18.0%, and Italy for 5.8%, together making up 63.1% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Insulated wire and optical fibre cables exports from Croatia declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 237.8 million US dollars, representing a small reduction of 2.7% compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 244.7 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 17.2% recorded that year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 13.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Italy were the main markets for Croatian exports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables in value terms. Germany accounted for 39.1% of export value, Austria for 15.9%, and Italy for 6.4%, together representing 61.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020

Imports insulated wire and optical fibre cables to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia imported 28 568 tonnes of insulated wire and optical fibre cables, amounting to a gain of 2.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Austria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina led the structure of imports in volume terms for insulated wire and optical fibre cables into Croatia. Italy accounted for 26.5% of imports, Austria for 15.6%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 11.0%, together representing 53.2% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Insulated wire and optical fibre cables imports into Croatia declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 177.3 million US dollars, marking a small fall of 1.8% from 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 191.2 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 19.4% recorded that year and the largest decline of 5.7% in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 10.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for imports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables into Croatia in value terms were Italy, Austria, and Germany. Italy accounted for 25.7% of import value, Austria for 15.3%, and Germany for 11.9%, jointly accounting for 52.9% of total import flows.

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

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