Rendered lard and other pig fat market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The market for rendered lard and pig fat in Bosnia and Herzegovina showed mixed dynamics from 2018 to 2020. Market volume in physical terms remained relatively stable around 224 t in 2018-2019, supported in part by the traditional practice of home slaughtering of pigs, which influenced local supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced consumer demand, leading to a drop in market volume to 208 t as economic difficulties lowered purchasing power.

From 2021 to 2023, the market continued to contract in volume, falling to 145 t by 2023. This decline was largely driven by a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier vegetable oils and fats, which reduced demand for traditional animal fats. Simultaneously, heightened regulatory oversight, including pesticide residue control programs for pork fat, and the ongoing harmonization of legislation with EU standards as part of the EU accession process created additional quality and compliance requirements, affecting market conditions. Despite the drop in physical volume, the market value in monetary terms grew, reaching 319.6 thousand US dollars in 2023, reflecting price increases or changes in product mix.

In 2024, the market demonstrated a recovery: market volume rose to 167.5 t, and value increased to 383.2 thousand US dollars. Production also recovered to 103.7 t, approaching 2018-2019 levels. This growth followed a period of adaptation to new regulatory demands and shifts in consumer behavior.

Production rendered lard and pig fat in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the output value of rendered lard and other pig fat reached 142.2 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 142.7 thousand US dollars. That year also saw the largest increase of 3.6%, while the most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 1.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced a decline in the production volume of rendered lard and other pig fat for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 92.3 tonnes, representing a substantial decrease of 10.4% from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The peak volume was achieved in 2019 at 103.9 tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 2.2% during this period.

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

Exports rendered lard and pig fat from Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to desk-based market analysis, Bosnia and Herzegovina did not export any rendered lard and other pig fat from 2018 through 2021.

Imports rendered lard and pig fat to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

Imports of rendered lard and other pig fat into Bosnia and Herzegovina declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 59.2 tonnes, showing a sharp drop of 43.5% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 51.4%, averaging an annual decline of 21.4%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 121.9 tonnes, with no significant increase recorded that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Serbia and Croatia together accounted for 86.4% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's total imports of rendered lard and other pig fat by volume. The remaining share was spread across other countries, each contributing smaller amounts individually.

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 rendered lard and other pig fat imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value stood at 80.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 40.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports dropped by 47.4%, with an average annual decrease of 19.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia was the dominant source for Bosnia and Herzegovina's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms, capturing 72.8% of the total. Other countries held much smaller shares, each contributing significantly less to the 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