Lard and poultry fats market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lard and poultry fats in North Macedonia expanded from 949 t in 2018 to 1 038 t in 2020. This initial growth was supported by the introduction of specific hygiene standards for fat production and processing in 2018, followed by comprehensive new regulations in 2019 governing the production, labeling, and traceability of animal by-products. These measures strengthened quality control and likely bolstered market confidence. Furthermore, the 2020 policy to end vaccination against classical swine fever aimed to reduce costs and align with EU export requirements, providing a favorable environment for domestic pork and fat production.

Market volume then declined to 944 t by 2022. A key factor was the 2021 ban on imports of live animals and related by-products, enacted to prevent the introduction of African swine fever, which restricted supply sources. In 2022, increased competition from edible oils impacted demand after the government abolished import duties on sunflower oil to protect the domestic industry. Concurrently, a new market segment emerged as the Agria agro-industrial group developed advanced purification processes for lard, targeting high-quality applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which laid the groundwork for future market development.

In 2023, the market rebounded sharply, reaching 1 204 t, an increase of 27.5% from the previous year. This significant growth coincided with the maturation of the new premium 'natural lard' segment and likely reflected broader adjustments in production and consumption patterns within the local supply chain.

Production lard and poultry fats in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 1 031 tonnes of lard and poultry fats, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 947 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 032 tonnes. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018, falling by 3.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 9.0%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from North Macedonia

Market data analysis reveals that North Macedonia did not export any lard and poultry fats between 2017 and 2020.

Imports lard and poultry fats to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, kg

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2020, imports varied significantly, with a 3-fold difference between the highest and lowest points. In 2020, North Macedonia imported 6 616 kg of lard and poultry fats, representing a substantial increase of 180.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia were the main suppliers of lard and poultry fats to North Macedonia. Croatia accounted for 45.6% of imports in kind, Montenegro for 32.7%, and Serbia for 15.9%. Together, these three countries made up 94.1% 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, $ US

Market performance exhibited considerable fluctuations during this period. From 2019 to 2020, imports in value terms showed a 3.2-fold difference between the peak and trough. In 2020, the value of lard and poultry fats imports into North Macedonia reached 7 376 US dollars, a sharp rise of 223.6% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 279 US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 16.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia dominated imports in value terms. Croatia contributed 36.4% of the import value, Montenegro 31.4%, and Serbia 21.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 89.2% of total import flows.

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

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