Pears market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh pear market in North Macedonia from 2018 onward was initially shaped by the entry of a new major player, the company 'Zhito' from Veles, which commenced large-scale production on 30 hectares of orchards. This expansion aimed to restore Macedonian pears to the domestic and European markets, contributing to a rising supply that helped push total market volume to 9 689 metric tons by 2020. Concurrently, the market faced sustained competitive pressure from subsidized pear imports from Greece, which kept prices low and presented challenges for local growers.

Following a contraction to 8 040 metric tons in 2021, the market surged to 11 065 metric tons in 2022. This sharp increase was likely driven by the longer-term yield from earlier orchard plantings, which boosted domestic production above 10 000 metric tons. Structural market issues persisted, however, with fruit prices among the lowest in the region and intermediaries in the supply chain raising final consumer costs, influencing consumption patterns.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 7 566 metric tons, reflecting a notable decrease in domestic production. Import volumes remained substantial during this period, highlighting continued reliance on foreign supply when local harvests decline.

Production pears in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pears, 2017-2020

World map of production of pears, 2017-2020

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 8 790 tons of pears, marking a moderate increase of 9.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.1%, while the most significant growth was recorded in 2018 with a 59.4% rise. From 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 74%, translating to an annualized rate of 20.3%.

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

Exports pears from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2019, pear exports from North Macedonia reached their peak at 291 tons, with the largest increase that year at 72.6%. By 2020, exports dropped to 164 tons, a decrease of 43.6% from the previous year. The span from 2019 to 2020 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.8 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Russia, and Romania were the top destinations for North Macedonia's pear exports in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 44.2% of exports, Russia for 24.5%, and Romania for 4.2%, together comprising 73.0% of total export 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

In 2020, North Macedonia exported pears worth 144.7 thousand US dollars, showing a strong decline of 21.9% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 123.8 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 185.4 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 49.7%. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Serbia, and Romania were the main destinations for North Macedonia's pear exports in value terms. Russia represented 35.9% of exports, Serbia 29.5%, and Romania 6.0%, together accounting for 71.4% of total export 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 pears to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia imported 1 064 tons of pears, showing no significant change compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 885 tons, with the largest decline that year at 4.4%. The maximum volume occurred in 2019 at 1 067 tons, accompanied by the largest increase of 20.6%. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Argentina were the key sources for North Macedonia's pear imports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 42.2% of imports, Serbia for 28.6%, and Argentina for 9.1%, together representing 79.9% of total import flows.

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

Foreign pear supplies to North Macedonia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 688.5 thousand US dollars, up by 7.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was in 2018 at 518.7 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 4.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 23.5%. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Serbia, and Argentina formed the key group of partners for North Macedonia's pear imports in value terms. Turkey represented 38.7% of imports, Serbia 32.9%, and Argentina 9.2%, jointly accounting for 80.8% of total import flows.

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

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