Knitted or crocheted fabrics market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The knitted fabrics market in Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been characterized by a focus on lohn production for export. This model was exemplified in 2018 when Tekstilna industrija d.o.o. Mostar reoriented its production toward global trends, specializing in classic and laminated fabrics for markets in the EU and former Yugoslavia. Such export-oriented strategies have shaped the industry's structure, with domestic output heavily tied to external demand.

Market volume in physical terms declined from 4 963 t in 2021 to 4 106 t in 2024. Over the same period, domestic production fell sharply from 355 t to 101 t, while import volume decreased from 5 006 t to 4 268 t. In value terms, imports rose from $69.5 million in 2021 to a peak of $82.2 million in 2023 before falling to $70.4 million in 2024, contributing to a market value peak of $77.5 million in 2022 and a subsequent drop to $67.0 million in 2024.

From 2018 to 2025, both imports and exports of knitted fabrics trended downward in volume. Imports fell from 4 848 t to 3 883 t, and exports decreased from 287 t to 203 t. This consistent decline in trade flows coincided with a market framework centered on lohn production, which remained unchanged throughout the period.

Production knitted or crocheted fabrics 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, t

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

Exports knitted or crocheted fabrics from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, t

Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics from Bosnia and Herzegovina totaled 398 tons in 2021, marking a slight decline of 0.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 272 tons, while the peak occurred in 2020 with 401 tons. The most significant decrease was observed in 2019 at 5.3%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2020 with a 47.4% surge. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 38.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary destinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in volume terms were Austria, accounting for 38.1% of exports, Slovenia with 15.4%, and Italy at 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 68.8% of total export flows.

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

Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5 002 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest year-on-year increase of 1.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 71.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the main destinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in value terms were Austria, which accounted for 58.4% of exports, Italy with 9.4%, and Germany at 4.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 72.4% of total export value.

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 knitted or crocheted fabrics to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics into Bosnia and Herzegovina rebounded in 2021, reaching 5 006 tons, which represents a 13.8% increase from 2020. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 399 tons, with the most significant drop that year at 5.6%. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 3.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey was the leading supplier of knitted or crocheted fabrics to Bosnia and Herzegovina in volume terms, accounting for 41.6% of imports, followed by Germany at 16.2% and Austria with 10.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 68.5% of total import volume.

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

After a two-year decline, imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics into Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms increased in 2021, reaching 69 467 thousand US dollars, a notable rise of 23.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 56 172 thousand US dollars, with the largest decrease that year at 7.5%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value grew by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the top sources for Bosnia and Herzegovina's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics in value terms were Germany, accounting for 24.1% of imports, Turkey with 23.2%, and Italy at 21.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 68.4% of total import 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