Strawberries market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

Fresh strawberry production in North Macedonia fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 6 078 t in 2018 and reaching 6 120 t in 2023. The market volume expanded from 6 231 t to 6 712 t over the same period, despite a temporary contraction in 2019. Imports rose substantially, peaking at 766 t in 2022, which supplemented domestic supply to meet growing demand.

The market's underlying growth was supported by increasing year-round demand for fresh strawberries, which led farmers to invest in protected cultivation systems such as greenhouses. This shift was influenced by climate patterns and the pursuit of consistent supply. Furthermore, the profitability of organic strawberry production, particularly for sales to prompt-paying buyers, encouraged more growers to adopt sustainable practices, supported by an active base of small producers selling directly in local markets.

Throughout the period, intensive farming techniques including irrigation and mechanical weed control remained prevalent, enhancing yields and managing pests. The steady consumer preference for local and organic strawberries, coupled with the absence of major disruptive regulations, allowed the market to develop resilience and gradual expansion.

Production strawberries in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

In 2019, strawberry production in North Macedonia reached its lowest point at 5,172 tons. The following year, in 2020, production rebounded to 5,882 tons, marking a 13.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6,078 tons, representing a 16.7% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.9%.

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

Exports strawberries from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The market for strawberry exports from North Macedonia showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, export volumes hit their lowest point at 2.2 tons, which was a dramatic 99.2% decrease from the previous year. By 2019, exports surged by 3,492.0%, reaching a higher level. However, in 2020, exports fell again to 8.7 tons, an 88.9% drop compared to 2019. The peak export volume was recorded in 2017, with the difference between the highest and lowest points being 119 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia and Russia were the primary destinations for North Macedonia's strawberry exports in volume terms, together accounting for 25.6% 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

Export values for strawberries from North Macedonia were highly volatile over these years. In 2018, the value dropped to its lowest point at 1.2 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 99.7% from the previous year. By 2019, there was a remarkable increase of 5,729.8%. In 2020, export values fell to 14.9 thousand US dollars, down 79.4% compared to 2019. The highest export value was achieved in 2017, with a 345-fold difference between the peak and trough.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Serbia and Russia were the two main markets for North Macedonia's strawberry exports in value terms. Serbia accounted for 14.6% of total export flows, while Russia made up 2.6%, together representing 17.2% of the total.

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 strawberries to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

Strawberry imports into North Macedonia followed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, import volumes were at their lowest at 155.4 tons, a decrease of 14.4% from the previous year. By 2019, imports jumped by 146.4%. In 2020, imports reached 410.3 tons, up 7.2% from 2019. The peak import volume occurred in 2020, with a 2.6-fold variation between the highest and lowest points.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece and Albania were the dominant sources for strawberry imports into North Macedonia in volume terms, together making up 99.9% 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

Strawberry imports into North Macedonia in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 263.1 thousand US dollars, showing relative stability compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import values increased by 62.3%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Albania and Greece together accounted for 99.9% of the total value of strawberry imports into North Macedonia, highlighting a high level of market concentration.

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

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