NPK fertilizers market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the NPK fertilizers market in Croatia expanded from 141 thousand tons to 179 thousand tons. This growth was underpinned by steady import supplies from Turkey and Russia, which secured product availability for the spring sowing season. The presence of domestic producers like Kutina and Elixir Zorke supported local supply, while the standard agricultural practice of using NPK fertilizers maintained demand, even as awareness of ecological alternatives began to rise.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume contracted over the next three years, falling to 128 thousand tons by 2023. During this period, domestic production and export volumes declined significantly, while imports continued to grow, altering the market's supply structure.

In 2024, the market rebounded to 140 thousand tons. A key influencing factor was new legislation effective from 2024, which mandates that recipients of certain direct payments in permanent crops use only organic fertilizers and soil improvers approved under EU ecological regulations. Concurrently, global factors such as energy prices and overseas supply flows from Turkey and Russia continued to affect the cost and availability of NPK fertilizers on the Croatian market.

Production NPK fertilizers in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's NPK fertilizer production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 71.8 million US dollars, marking a significant 16.7% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 106.0 million US dollars, with a 7.2% increase that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 18.6%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 27.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's NPK fertilizer production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 222.9 thousand tons, down 11.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 27.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.3%.

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

Exports NPK fertilizers from Croatia

Exports in kind, K t

NPK fertilizer exports from Croatia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 100.9 thousand tons, a 26.3% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 43.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary remained the top buyers of NPK fertilizers from Croatia. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 19.9% of exports in kind, Slovenia for 17.8%, and Hungary for 16.0%. Together, these three countries represented 53.7% of total exports in kind.

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 NPK fertilizer export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 30 644 thousand US dollars, a steep 30.2% decrease compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 54 873 thousand US dollars, with a 2.5% increase that year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 42.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary led the export structure in value terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 20.8% of exports, Slovenia for 19.2%, and Hungary for 15.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 55.9% 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 NPK fertilizers to Croatia

Imports in kind, K t

Croatia's NPK fertilizer imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 56.9 thousand tons, reflecting a 34.6% rise compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 33.6 thousand tons, with a 5.5% decline that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 59.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Italy, and Hungary were the principal suppliers of NPK fertilizers to Croatia. Serbia accounted for 31.8% of imports in kind, Italy for 22.0%, and Hungary for 8.5%. Together, these three countries made up 62.3% of total imports in kind.

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

Cross-border shipments of NPK fertilizers to Croatia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 22 115 thousand US dollars, showing a 19.2% improvement from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 39.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Serbia, Italy, and Hungary—together accounted for 55.4% of total imports in value terms of NPK fertilizers to Croatia.

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

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