Mushrooms and truffles market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh mushrooms and truffles in North Macedonia expanded from 2.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 3.9 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a sharp increase in imports, which rose from 358 t to 1 534 t over the period, while domestic production remained stable at around 2.9 thousand t.

After a slight market contraction in 2020, growth accelerated in 2021 with a 15% increase to 3.6 thousand t. Imports more than doubled between 2020 and 2021, offsetting a drop in exports. The following years saw continued, though slower, market expansion as import volumes climbed further.

Export volumes were volatile, falling sharply in 2021 and 2022 before surging to 578 t in 2023. This export rebound contributed to a moderated market growth of just 1.9% in 2023, despite record-high import levels that year.

Production mushrooms and truffles in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

World map of production of mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

Mushroom and truffle production in North Macedonia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2,934 tonnes, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 2.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019, at 2.7%.

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

Exports mushrooms and truffles from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, mushroom and truffle exports from North Macedonia have increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 336.8 tonnes, representing a 20.4% rise compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 26.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.8 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, at 37.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia traded mushrooms and truffles with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Italy, Germany, and Romania—collectively accounted for only 44.8% of total exports in kind during this period.

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

Foreign mushroom and truffle supplies from North Macedonia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2,699 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 21.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 61.3%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 27.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of mushroom and truffle exports from North Macedonia was widely dispersed across partner countries. Italy (34.9% of exports in value terms), Germany (5.7%), and France (5.3%) together represented only 45.8% of total flows.

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 mushrooms and truffles to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year advance, mushroom and truffle imports into North Macedonia have declined. In 2020, the country imported 539.4 tonnes, marking a decrease of 2.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 139.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 33.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 552.0 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 59.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, mushroom and truffle imports to North Macedonia were largely oriented towards Serbia, which accounted for 95.1% 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, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest imports were recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2018, reflecting a 1.8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, mushroom and truffle imports into North Macedonia totaled 873 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 5.5% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1,277 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 27.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 75.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Serbia played the leading role in imports in value terms, with a share of 76.3% of total flows, while other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

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

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