Macedonia records slight industrial turnover rise and majority of workers earn below average wage

Industrial turnover in Macedonia's manufacturing sector increased by 0.8% year‑on‑year in May, driven mainly by capital goods. The biggest gains were in machine and equipment production (+18.8%), computer, electronic and optical products (+30.6%), and metal ore extraction (+15.8%). Domestic market sales fell 1.8% while exports grew 1.8%, resulting in a modest overall growth of 0.3% for the January‑May period.

A separate analysis of wages shows that only about 11% of employees receive a salary at or above the national average. Roughly 72‑74% earn at or below the average, and 50‑58% earn up to 36,900 denars, close to the minimum wage. The average salary covers only about 60% of the minimum consumption basket, limiting purchasing power for most households. Higher earnings are concentrated in IT, finance, telecommunications, energy, certain public enterprises and managerial positions.