Wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings and cable-drums market in North Macedonia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2020 and 2023, the market value for wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings in North Macedonia contracted sharply from 2 472 thousand US dollars to just 830 thousand. This decline was driven by falling domestic production, which dropped from 2 010 thousand to 1 549 thousand over the same period, and a significant rise in exports, which reached 1 453 thousand in 2023. Imports, after a steep drop from 2 092 thousand in 2018 to around 600–700 thousand annually, provided limited offset. The market partially recovered in 2024, growing to 1 384 thousand.

In late 2023, new packaging waste legislation came into force, banning single‑use plastic packaging in hospitality and protected areas and mandating biodegradable bags. This regulatory shift, alongside growing consumer preference for sustainable and natural materials, began reshaping demand toward wooden packaging. The trend continued into 2024 with enhanced inspection controls over packaging weight and ongoing emphasis on eco‑friendly materials, supporting the market's rebound that year.

Production wooden packing cases and drums in North Macedonia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums in North Macedonia was valued at 2 010 K $ US, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 23.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a dramatic 1 636-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, North Macedonia produced 6 329 t of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums, representing a sharp year-over-year decline of 99.8%.

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

Exports wooden packing cases and drums from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year upward trend, exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from North Macedonia declined. In 2020, the country exported 470 t, down by 26.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 643 t, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 47.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Hungary were the primary destinations for North Macedonia's exports in kind, together accounting for 81.9% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail in the export structure.

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

After two years of growth, the export value of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from North Macedonia fell. In 2020, exports reached 152 K $ US, marking a significant decline of 24.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 49.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 200 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 62.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Austria led as the top buyers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from North Macedonia in value terms. Germany accounted for 46.5% of exports, Hungary for 26.2%, and Austria for 7.1%, collectively representing 79.8% 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 wooden packing cases and drums to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums into North Macedonia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 260 t, down by 24.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 58.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 25.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Serbia were the dominant suppliers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums to North Macedonia in kind, together accounting for 84.8% of total imports. Other sources each held relatively minor 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

North Macedonia's import value of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 613 K $ US, a decrease of 14.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 66.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 30.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 092 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.3%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 at 65.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Serbia, and Sweden were the main suppliers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums to North Macedonia in value terms. Germany contributed 44.8% of imports, Serbia 26.1%, and Sweden 23.9%, collectively making up 94.7% of total import value.

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

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