Lettuce and chicory market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in North Macedonia expanded strongly from 192.8 t in 2018 to a peak of 337.1 t in 2022, an increase of over 70%. This growth was primarily fueled by a sustained surge in imports, which more than doubled from 87.0 t to 227.7 t over the same period, and a sharp contraction in exports, which fell from 77.1 t to just 9.2 t in 2020. Domestic production remained stable, fluctuating between 182 t and 187 t annually, indicating the market's expansion was trade-driven.

After 2022, the market volume moderated, declining to 307.5 t in 2023. This coincided with a continued rise in imports to 244.4 t and a strong recovery in exports, which rebounded to 122.6 t. The resurgence of exports from their 2020 low partly offset the growing import volumes, leading to the market's first contraction in the period. Throughout, the stability of local production highlighted the market's increasing reliance on international trade flows.

By 2023, the market remained significantly larger than in 2018, demonstrating a structural shift towards higher consumption supported by imports. The interplay between rising import volumes and volatile export activity defined the market's trajectory, while domestic output showed little variation.

Production lettuce and chicory in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 187.1 tonnes, marking a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for lettuce and chicory showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 9.2 tonnes, which was a 44.5% decrease from the year before. In contrast, the peak was in 2018 with 77.1 tonnes, creating an 8.3-fold difference between these two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 78.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging by 384.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Italy, and Norway were the main destinations for North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory exports by volume. Serbia accounted for 41.1% of exports, Italy for 20.8%, and Norway for 8.5%. Together, these three countries made up 70.4% of the 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, $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations over the years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 768 US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 46 082 US dollars, resulting in a 3.1-fold gap. In 2020, exports amounted to 14 815 US dollars, showing little change from 2019. The largest decline happened in 2019, falling by 68.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018, jumping by 111.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Serbia, Italy, and Norway remained the key partners for North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms. Serbia represented 32.3% of export value, Italy 17.9%, and Norway 8.3%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 58.5% of the total export value.

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 lettuce and chicory to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 121.8 tonnes, up by 4.0% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 45.7%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 13.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain and the Netherlands dominated North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory imports by volume. Spain contributed 58.6% of total imports, while the Netherlands accounted for 28.1%. Together, these two countries represented 86.7% of import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

Imports of lettuce and chicory into North Macedonia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value totaled 83 021 US dollars, a modest increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 44.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and the Netherlands were the leading sources for North Macedonia's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 80.5% of total import value, while the rest was spread across other destinations.

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

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