Paper or paperboard labels market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper or paperboard labels in North Macedonia recorded a volume of 965 t valued at $7.8 million in 2018. This period was framed by the country's move to the second stage of its EU Stabilization and Association Agreement, which progressively removed customs tariffs and quotas on goods trade with the bloc. By 2021, the market had contracted to 871 t ($7.5 million), a phase during which the European Parliament underscored the necessity for domestic reforms and meeting EU commitments, contributing to a climate of regulatory uncertainty.

A significant shift began in 2022 with the introduction of the Ordinance on Labeling Requirements for Non-Food Goods, which mandated specific information on product labels. This regulatory change directly stimulated demand for labels, lifting the market volume to 924 t. The momentum continued into 2023 with further updates to the labeling rules, fueling a sharp expansion to 1 308 t and increasing the market's value to $8.2 million as businesses adapted to the stricter requirements.

Production paper or paperboard labels in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, the output of paper or paperboard labels in North Macedonia was valued at 4 636 thousand US dollars, marking a strong 15.5% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2018, North Macedonia produced 886.0 tonnes of paper or paperboard labels, showing a moderate 9.5% rise from 2017.

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

Exports paper or paperboard labels from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, deliveries of paper or paperboard labels from North Macedonia declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 464.3 tonnes, but by 2020, they fell to 295.0 tonnes, a 36.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 48.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, at 55.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of paper or paperboard labels from North Macedonia were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Serbia accounted for 15.4% of exports in kind, Albania for 7.3%, and Bulgaria for 7.0%, with these three countries together making up only 29.6% of total 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, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, exports of paper or paperboard labels from North Macedonia declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest value at 2 472 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, they dropped to 1 792 thousand US dollars, a sharp 27.5% fall from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 29.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018, at 37.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, paper or paperboard labels from North Macedonia were supplied to a broad set of markets. Serbia accounted for 18.0% of exports in value terms, Albania for 11.2%, and Bulgaria for 5.5%, with these three countries together representing only 34.7% of total exports. Many smaller destinations made up the remaining 65.3%.

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 paper or paperboard labels to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

After increasing for two years, imported volumes of paper or paperboard labels in North Macedonia declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 395.0 tonnes, but by 2020, they fell to 380.9 tonnes, a moderate 3.6% drop from the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, at 3.0%.

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

An analysis of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Germany accounted for 21.9% of imports in kind, Bulgaria for 14.1%, and Turkey for 10.4%, with these three countries together making up only 46.5% of total flows. The remaining 53.5% was spread among other partners.

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

Imports of paper or paperboard labels in North Macedonia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their maximum value at 5 098 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, they totalled 4 836 thousand US dollars, a gradual 4.2% decrease from the previous year. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018, at 5.0%.

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

The structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. Germany accounted for 23.0% of imports in value terms, China for 9.4%, and Bulgaria for 8.1%, with these three countries together representing just 40.5% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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