Processed liquid milk market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The processed liquid milk market in North Macedonia saw its volume in tonnes grow from 56 853 t in 2018 to a peak of 70 432 t in 2020, followed by a sustained contraction to 49 724 t by 2024.

Despite the falling physical volume, the market value increased steadily from $37.3 million in 2018 to $46.6 million in 2024, pointing to a significant rise in average prices or a shift in the product mix toward higher-value items.

This period was marked by a decline in domestic production, a sharp reduction in exports, and imports that rose initially before receding, collectively reshaping the market's supply structure.

Production processed liquid milk in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, North Macedonia's processed liquid milk production saw an increase in value. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 24 096 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, it had risen to 26 238 thousand US dollars, marking an 8.9% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of contraction, North Macedonia's processed liquid milk production volume increased. In 2019, production hit a low of 33 535 tonnes, but in 2020, it rose to 34 533 tonnes, showing a slight uptick of 3.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 8.8%.

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

Exports processed liquid milk from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, processed liquid milk shipments from North Macedonia to abroad totaled 6 474 tonnes, indicating a sharp drop of 32.5% compared to the previous year. Exports reached their minimum in 2018 at 6 282 tonnes, peaked in 2019 at 9 591 tonnes, and saw the largest increase in 2019 with a 52.7% rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro led the structure of exports in kind. Serbia accounted for 60.7% of exports, Albania for 13.2%, and Montenegro for 1.2%, together representing 75.0% 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

In 2020, North Macedonia's processed liquid milk exports stood at 3 982 thousand US dollars, which is 30.3% smaller than the previous year. Exports were at their lowest in 2018 at 3 780 thousand US dollars, reached a maximum in 2019 at 5 710 thousand US dollars, and saw the largest increase in 2019 with a 51.1% rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro were the main markets for exports in value terms. Serbia accounted for 63.1% of exports, Albania for 12.8%, and Montenegro for 1.4%, together accounting for 77.4% 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 processed liquid milk to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of gains, processed liquid milk deliveries to North Macedonia declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 42 373 tonnes, which is 4.4% smaller year-over-year. Imports peaked in 2019 at 44 328 tonnes and saw the largest increase in 2019 with a 58.8% rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 129%, equating to an annualized rate of 31.8%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the main directions for imports in kind, jointly taking 89.1% of total flows, while the residual share was split among other markets.

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

Following two years of improvement, processed liquid milk volumes imported by North Macedonia declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 20 031 thousand US dollars, reflecting a drop of 2.0% year-over-year. Imports reached their maximum in 2019 at 20 435 thousand US dollars and saw the largest increase in 2018 with a 43.3% rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 86.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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