Silica and quartz sands market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The market for natural silica and quartz sands in Bosnia and Herzegovina expanded from 123 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 159 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by rising demand from the construction and industrial sectors, which increased overall consumption. The period began under a new regulatory environment established by the 2018 Nature Protection Law, setting conservation rules that indirectly influenced resource exploitation.

In 2023, market volume dropped sharply to 121 thousand tonnes. This decline coincided with global and regional supply chain disruptions and raw material price fluctuations, which affected the availability and cost of silica sand. A slight recovery to 123 thousand tonnes followed in 2024, as the market faced the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introducing emission-related requirements for industrial exports.

Throughout the period, environmental monitoring and stricter regulations gained prominence, influencing operational practices. Additionally, significant changes in ownership structures and acquisitions in the Bosnian market, highlighted in 2025, signaled shifts in competitive dynamics within the sector.

Production silica and quartz sands in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of silica and quartz sands in Bosnia and Herzegovina was $1,423 thousand USD, showing minimal change from the previous year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina produced 122.2 thousand tonnes of silica and quartz sands, with little variation compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 24.3%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

Exports silica and quartz sands from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, t

Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of silica and quartz sands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 4,508 tonnes, marking a sharp year-on-year rise of 31.1%. From 2018 to 2021, exports expanded by 76.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Serbia and Croatia were the leading destinations for exports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 85.1% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other countries.

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

The value of silica and quartz sands exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina rose for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled $248 thousand USD, reflecting a substantial increase of 47.4% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 94%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 24.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Croatia and Serbia remained the primary markets for exports in value terms, together making up 83.7% of total flows, with other partners comprising the rest.

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 silica and quartz sands to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imports of silica and quartz sands into Bosnia and Herzegovina increased. In 2021, imports stood at 17,288 tonnes, indicating a modest 4.6% rise over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 36.1%, corresponding to an annualized decrease of 13.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 16,527 tonnes, with the largest drop of 26.8% occurring that same year.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Serbia dominated the import structure in volume terms, holding a 71.8% share of total flows, while other markets had relatively smaller shares.

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

Following a two-year downturn, foreign supplies of silica and quartz sands to Bosnia and Herzegovina increased. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately $1,088 thousand USD, representing a 23.1% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 22.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $884 thousand USD, with the largest reduction of 25.2% also occurring in that year.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, Serbia (64.0% of import value), Slovenia (10.4%), and Hungary (9.6%) together accounted for 84.0% of total silica and quartz sands imports into Bosnia and Herzegovina in value terms, establishing them as the main sources.

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