What do Balkan countries export to the world?
Balkan economies have developed distinct export specialisations, with automotive products, precious-metal catalysts, electrical cables, machinery and energy products among their leading exports in 2025. Germany and other European Union (EU) member states remain key trading partners, while persistent trade deficits highlight the region's dependence on imports.
According to 2025 foreign trade figures, Serbia recorded the highest export value among the five countries examined, followed by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Despite their diverse export profiles, all five countries imported more goods than they exported.
SERBIA: AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS AND COPPER
Serbia's leading export categories in 2025 included passenger cars and other road vehicles, copper and copper ores, electrical conductors, agricultural and food products, and car tyres.
According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the country's total merchandise exports reached €33.07 billion, while imports amounted to €41.86 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of €8.79 billion.
EU member states accounted for approximately 58.2% of Serbia's total foreign trade. Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China and Hungary were among its major export destinations.
CROATIA: MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
Croatia's export profile was dominated by machinery, transport equipment and manufactured goods in 2025.
According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the country's exports totalled €25.1 billion, while imports reached €45 billion.
Approximately 66% of Croatian exports, equivalent to €16.6 billion, went to EU member states. Germany remained the country's largest export market.
Among non-EU destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina was particularly important. Croatian exports to its neighbouring country amounted to approximately €2.7 billion, representing around 11% of total exports.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: ELECTRICAL CABLES LEAD EXPORTS
Insulated electrical wires and cables were among Bosnia and Herzegovina's leading export products in 2025, particularly for the automotive and electrical industries.
According to figures from the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, exports of these products reached €253.4 million. Electricity exports amounted to €188.1 million.
Vegetable oils, milk, eggs and honey were also among the country's notable export products.
Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded total exports of €8.9 billion and imports of €15.6 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of €6.7 billion.
Croatia was the country's largest export destination, with exports worth €976.5 million, followed by Germany at €951 million. More than 72% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's total exports went to EU member states.
NORTH MACEDONIA: PRECIOUS-METAL CATALYSTS AND AUTOMOTIVE CABLES
North Macedonia's leading export products in 2025 included supported catalysts containing precious metals or their compounds, according to the country's State Statistical Office.
Ignition wiring sets used in cars, aircraft and ships, along with other electrical cables, were also among its main export categories.
The country's total exports amounted to approximately €7.9 billion, while imports reached €11.5 billion, leaving a trade deficit of around €3.6 billion.
Germany remained North Macedonia's largest export market.
MONTENEGRO: ELECTRICITY AND MINERAL FUELS
Mineral fuels and lubricants were Montenegro's leading export product group in 2025, with a total export value of €136.9 million, according to the country's statistical office, Monstat.
Electricity was the most significant component of this category, accounting for €95.5 million in exports.
Metal products, food, live animals, chemicals and beverages also featured among Montenegro's exports.
The country's total merchandise exports stood at €572.3 million, compared with imports of €4.46 billion, highlighting a substantial trade imbalance.
Serbia was Montenegro's largest export market, receiving goods worth €153.3 million. Exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to €56.9 million, while Slovenia accounted for €37.7 million.
THE EU REMAINS THE BALKANS' KEY EXPORT MARKET
The European Union continues to play a central role in the export economies of the Balkans. Germany, in particular, is among the most important trading partners for several countries across the region.
Alongside the EU market, regional trade under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) also contributes to economic ties. Its members include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Speaking to TRT Balkan, economist Igor Gavran stressed that exports are important not only as a source of foreign currency but also as a driver of industrial production and competitiveness.
According to Gavran, exports are particularly significant for Balkan economies with relatively small domestic markets and difficulties attracting sufficient foreign investment. Access to international markets encourages businesses to innovate, helps reduce production costs and supports economic growth.
The 2025 figures illustrate the different industrial strengths of Balkan economies, ranging from automotive manufacturing and electrical equipment to metals, machinery and energy. However, the persistent trade deficits also underline the region's continued reliance on imports and the challenges facing its export-driven growth.
