Milk and cream market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for milk and cream in North Macedonia increased from 59.7 thousand tons to 72.2 thousand tons. This growth was supported by a 3.7% rise in cow's milk production in 2020, which boosted overall supply.

Starting in 2021, market volume began a multi-year decline, reaching a low of 49.6 thousand tons in 2023. This contraction was primarily driven by a reduction in the number of dairy animals and persistently low farm-gate prices, which eroded farmer incentives and investment. Concurrent government measures to cap retail food prices, including for milk, aimed at consumer protection but added pressure on producer margins.

Despite continued domestic production challenges, market volume saw a slight recovery to 51.7 thousand tons in 2024. The market was influenced by global dairy price trends, while consumer demand showed increased sensitivity and a shift towards imitation dairy products. A memorandum to facilitate dairy exports to Russia created a new potential outlet for producers. In value terms, the market grew steadily to $52.2 million USD in 2024, reflecting higher prices across the period.

Production milk and cream in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In North Macedonia, the output value of milk and cream reached 28 991 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 3%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 812 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 30 015 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop in production value was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

North Macedonia's milk and cream production volume has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 35 886 tonnes, representing a minor decrease of 1.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.3%.

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

Exports milk and cream from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia's foreign supplies of milk and cream amounted to 6 474 tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 32.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 12.4%, equating to an average annual rate of -4.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 306 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 9 591 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 52.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro were the primary buyers of milk and cream from North Macedonia in terms of volume. Serbia accounted for 60.5% of exports, Albania for 13.1%, and Montenegro for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 74.7% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2020, cross-border shipments of milk and cream from North Macedonia were valued at 3 982 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 30.3% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 827 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 5 710 thousand US dollars. The largest increase in export value occurred in 2019, with a rise of 49.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro were the main buyers of milk and cream from North Macedonia in value terms. Serbia contributed 62.5% of exports, Albania 12.7%, and Montenegro 1.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.6% of total exports in 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 milk and cream to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, cross-border shipments of milk and cream into North Macedonia declined. In 2020, the country imported 42 758 tonnes, showing a moderate contraction of 4.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 126.9%, equating to an average annual rate of 31.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 44 586 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring that year at 58.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina played the leading roles in imports of milk and cream into North Macedonia in terms of volume. Together, they accounted for 89.1% of total imports, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

Following a two-year increase, milk and cream shipments into North Macedonia from abroad declined. In 2020, the country imported milk and cream valued at 20 939 thousand US dollars, amounting to a slight decline of 1.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 82.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 20 939 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 39.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia dominated imports of milk and cream into North Macedonia in value terms. Together, they accounted for 86.5% of total imports, with other destinations making smaller individual contributions.

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

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