Wheat and meslin market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market in North Macedonia experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, with the market volume peaking at 338 thousand tons in 2019 before stabilizing near 338 thousand tons in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic that year disrupted global trade and logistics, contributing to stable domestic availability despite shifts in import and export flows.

A sharp contraction to 297 thousand tons occurred in 2021, driven by record wheat harvests in neighboring countries like Bulgaria, which boosted regional supply and altered trade patterns, reducing North Macedonia's import needs while increasing its export activity. The following year, the Russia-Ukraine war triggered global supply concerns, leading to a precautionary rise in imports to 91.4 thousand tons and a drop in exports, lifting the market volume to 313 thousand tons. By 2023, however, the market fell to 273 thousand tons as record stockpiles in Russia and currency fluctuations made exports more attractive, increasing outbound shipments and reducing imports.

Production wheat and meslin in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

In 2020, North Macedonia produced 246.0 thousand tons of wheat and meslin, representing a 2.5% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.5%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 20.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

North Macedonia's wheat and meslin production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 51 626 thousand US dollars, showing a slight gain of 2.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 52.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin exports from North Macedonia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5.2 thousand tons, indicating a strong drop of 12.6% relative to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 69.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 32.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Albania, and Serbia were the main markets for North Macedonia's wheat and meslin exports in kind. Greece accounted for 41.4% of exports, Albania for 14.5%, and Serbia for 5.6%, collectively representing 61.5% 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

North Macedonia's wheat and meslin export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export value totaled 1 085 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid decrease of 12.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 62.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 919 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 57.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 1.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, Albania, and Serbia remained the principal buyers of wheat and meslin from North Macedonia in value terms. Greece held a 42.4% share of exports, Albania 15.4%, and Serbia 6.9%, jointly accounting for 64.6% of total export value.

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 wheat and meslin to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, wheat and meslin imports into North Macedonia totaled 96.8 thousand tons, down by 7.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 86.5 thousand tons, while the maximum was in 2019 at 104.4 thousand tons. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 20.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Serbia dominated North Macedonia's wheat and meslin imports in kind, concentrating 83.1% of the total volume. The remaining volume was distributed among many countries with smaller individual shares.

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

After a two-year gain, cross-border shipments of wheat and meslin into North Macedonia declined. In 2020, imports were valued at [value_last_year] thousand US dollars, marking a reduction of 5.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 24.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 23 454 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in the same year, at 22.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of wheat and meslin imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of Serbia, which accounted for 81.2% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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