Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-refractory mortars and concretes in Croatia demonstrated consistent expansion from 2018 to 2024, rising from 4 524 thousand tons to 6 564 thousand tons. This upward trajectory was interrupted only by a minor stabilization in 2022. The period from 2021 saw rising prices for construction materials, including concrete, driven by global and local cost factors, which coincided with and reflected heightened demand within the country's construction sector.

A slight dip in market volume in 2022 aligned with a noted mild decline in exports of these products across the European Union, suggesting broader regional market conditions temporarily affected local consumption. Growth resumed strongly thereafter, setting the stage for a significant surge in 2024.

The market volume jumped by over 13% in 2024, reaching 6 564 thousand tons. This acceleration was directly fueled by a notable increase in construction activity, evidenced by a 2.2% rise in building permits and a 12.8% growth in new construction orders. These were spurred by investments in renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, legislative reforms, including the new Law on Building Management and Maintenance and stricter measures against illegal construction, provided a regulated framework that supported market demand.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 214.3 million US dollars, representing a 12.1% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 32.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 048 thousand tonnes, up by 9.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia exported 4 985 tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes, a decrease of 6.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 24.1%, with a compound annual decline of 8.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 997 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 39.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 32.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary consistently led as the top destinations for Croatia's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes in volume terms. Slovenia accounted for 38.4% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 26.6%, and Hungary for 21.4%, together making up 86.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 701 thousand US dollars, marking an 8.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 33.3%, with a compound annual decline of 12.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Serbia remained the leading destinations for Croatia's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes in value terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 31.1% of exports, Slovenia for 29.4%, and Serbia for 11.3%, collectively representing 71.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020

Imports non-refractory mortars and concretes to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia imported 41 277 tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes, a gradual decrease of 6.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 933 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 43 912 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 20.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 42.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Serbia were the main sources of non-refractory mortars and concretes imports to Croatia in volume terms. Italy accounted for 53.5% of imports, Slovenia for 16.2%, and Serbia for 11.9%, together comprising 81.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 10 126 thousand US dollars, a substantial gain of 10.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 45.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Serbia, and Austria continued to be the top suppliers of non-refractory mortars and concretes to Croatia in value terms. Italy accounted for 58.6% of imports, Serbia for 9.8%, and Austria for 7.7%, jointly taking 76.1% of total import flows.

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

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