Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the North Macedonian market for plastic boxes, cases and crates underwent a significant transformation in its structure. In physical terms, the market volume contracted from 4 343 t in 2018 to 3 309 t in 2024, with a notable low of 3 324 t in 2020 before a partial recovery. In contrast, the market's value in US dollars demonstrated strong growth, rising from $12.8 million in 2018 to $19.6 million in 2024, pointing to a considerable increase in average unit prices or a shift towards higher-value products within the market.

The market dynamics in 2024 were influenced by regional regulatory changes and broader trade trends. The introduction of new environmental rules in neighbouring Bulgaria at the start of the year, which raised costs for plastic food containers to finance waste collection systems, likely contributed to higher prices and altered demand patterns in North Macedonia. Concurrently, the expansion of e-commerce and international freight transport increased the requirement for reliable, standardized reusable plastic packaging, supporting demand for certain product segments and contributing to the market's rising value.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in North Macedonia was valued at 3 615 thousand US dollars, marking a 7.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 12.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 1 264 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, representing a 1.1% decline from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, North Macedonia's export volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined in 2020, totaling 2 016 tonnes—a 5.2% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 63.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 126 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 39.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy consistently served as the three largest markets for North Macedonia's exports in kind, collectively accounting for 74.6% 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

Plastic boxes, cases, and crates deliveries from North Macedonia grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, with exports amounting to 2 221 thousand US dollars—a strong gain of 21.2% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 167.5%, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (34.4% of exports in value terms), Slovakia (17.9%), and Serbia (10.7%) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of exports in value terms, jointly representing 62.9% of total 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 plastic boxes, cases and crates to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia's import volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates reached 4 075 tonnes, showing a robust decrease of 17.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 31.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 19.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 4.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany (36.2% of imports in kind), Serbia (15.3%), and Bulgaria (13.3%) formed the key group of partners for imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to North Macedonia, jointly representing 64.8% of total 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

After a two-year uptick, plastic boxes, cases, and crates shipments to North Macedonia from abroad declined in 2020, with imports amounting to 11 750 thousand US dollars—a 15.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 826 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 24.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (25.2% of imports in value terms), Serbia (18.7%), and Bulgaria (14.3%) were the primary suppliers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to North Macedonia, jointly accounting for 58.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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