Sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market value for sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in North Macedonia remained relatively stable, hovering around 94 million US dollars. This stability was supported by government-imposed price freezes and margin reductions on these drinks, measures designed to protect citizens' living standards which contained price inflation. The market contraction to 88.5 million US dollars in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, as social isolation altered consumer habits and reduced overall consumption despite an increased focus on bottled water.

A strong recovery followed, with the market expanding to 114.8 million US dollars in 2021. This growth was facilitated by regulatory changes updating quality and labeling rules for soft drinks to align with European standards, improving market access and consumer confidence. The market value continued its upward trajectory to 135.3 million US dollars in 2023, bolstered by further government decisions to guarantee beverage prices and revisions to excise and tax regulations affecting production and distribution. However, in 2024, the market value declined to 120.6 million US dollars amid rising inflation and increased cost of living pressures, which dampened consumption despite ongoing price control measures and noted investments in the domestic sector by retailers like dm drogerie markt.

Production sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

North Macedonia's production of sweetened or flavored waters and other non-alcoholic beverages saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, output was valued at 83 129 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.0% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 93 454 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 18.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 153.5 million liters of sweetened or flavored waters and other non-alcoholic beverages, representing a sharp 56.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 97.8 million liters, while the peak was in 2018 at 153.6 million liters. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 36.3%.

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

Exports sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, K l

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from North Macedonia totaled 38 958 thousand liters, a dramatic 29.6% decrease from the year before. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 55 326 thousand liters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 165.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Bulgaria were the key partners for exports in kind. Serbia accounted for 42.2% of exports, Albania for 13.5%, and Bulgaria for 6.2%, together making up 61.9% 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

The market displayed an unstable trend over this period. Export values dropped to a minimum in 2017 and climbed to a maximum in 2019, showing a 3.4-fold shift. In 2020, exports reached 21 624 thousand US dollars, indicating a robust 18.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak value was in 2019 at 26 667 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 138.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina played leading roles in exports by value. Serbia contributed 37.7% of exports, Albania 15.2%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.8%, jointly accounting for 59.8% 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 sweetened or flavoured waters and other non-alcoholic beverages to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, K l

After a two-year rise, North Macedonia's imports of sweetened or flavored waters and other non-alcoholic beverages declined. In 2020, imports stood at 43 294 thousand liters, 7.7% lower year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 46 900 thousand liters, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia dominated imports in kind, holding a 76.9% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for the remainder.

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 a two-year increase, imports of sweetened or flavored waters and other non-alcoholic beverages into North Macedonia declined. In 2020, imports came to 27 020 thousand US dollars, reflecting a measured 4.0% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 16%, equating to a 5.1% annualized rate. The maximum value was in 2019 at 28 144 thousand US dollars, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 12.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, Serbia, Austria, and Croatia formed the main cluster for imports by value. Serbia accounted for 62.5% of imports, Austria for 8.7%, and Croatia for 6.5%, together representing 77.6% of total flows.

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

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