Pasta and couscous market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The pasta and couscous market in Bosnia and Herzegovina showed steady volume growth from 12 476 t in 2020 to 13 927 t in 2024. In value terms, the market expanded more sharply, rising from 14 110 thousand US dollars in 2020 to 21 011 thousand US dollars in 2024, with particularly strong increases in 2022 and 2023. This value surge was partly due to global rises in grain prices caused by unfavorable weather and logistical issues, which increased raw material costs for pasta. At the same time, shifting consumer habits toward higher-quality and more sustainable products stimulated demand, supporting sales volumes.

Market growth occurred alongside a decline in domestic production, which fell from 3 728 t in 2020 to 3 263 t in 2024, and a drop in exports. Rising imports, which increased from 7 896 t in 2018 to 11 067 t in 2024, compensated for the falling production and met growing domestic demand. The development of online sales and digitalization of distribution improved product accessibility for consumers. Furthermore, the harmonization of Bosnia and Herzegovina's legislation with EU standards on food safety and labeling affected market conditions, likely facilitating imports of compliant goods.

In 2024, the market volume continued to grow while the value stabilized at 21 011 thousand US dollars. Consumer preferences shifted toward innovative and quality products, which maintained volumes. Ongoing digitalization in the food industry contributed to more efficient distribution and production processes.

Production pasta and couscous in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of pasta and couscous in Bosnia and Herzegovina was $4,780 thousand US dollars, representing a measured decline of 3.5% compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina produced 3,758 tonnes of pasta and couscous, showing a slight increase of 0.8% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports pasta and couscous from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported 604 tonnes of pasta and couscous, reflecting an 18.3% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 34.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 563 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 39.3%, while the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 31.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's pasta and couscous exports in volume terms were Croatia, accounting for 47.5% of exports, Albania at 25.8%, and Serbia with 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 83.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina's pasta and couscous export value reached $591 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp reduction of 35.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 36.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, rising by 38.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the primary destinations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's pasta and couscous exports in value terms were Croatia, which accounted for 55.8% of exports, Albania at 12.3%, and the United States with 8.1%. Combined, these three markets made up 76.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021

Imports pasta and couscous to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, pasta and couscous imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina declined in 2021. The country imported approximately 9,079 tonnes, down by 4.3% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 15%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 9,488 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Turkey, Italy, and Serbia—together accounted for 83.9% of total pasta and couscous imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina in volume terms.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of pasta and couscous imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching $10,973 thousand US dollars, up by 8.9% year-on-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources for Bosnia and Herzegovina's pasta and couscous imports in value terms were Italy, representing 30.5% of imports, Turkey at 26.3%, and Serbia with 22.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021