North Macedonia faces rising food prices this autumn

North Macedonia faces a potential new wave of food price increases starting this autumn, driven by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and rising production costs. Factors such as droughts, high temperatures, and increased prices for fuel and fertilizers are placing significant pressure on agricultural yields and supply chains.

While domestic wheat production offers some stability, the country's agriculture and food industries remain heavily dependent on imports for raw materials and fuel. Fresh fruits and vegetables are expected to see price hikes first, with processed goods like bread and pasta likely to follow as existing stocks are depleted.

Domestic producers are also struggling with economic instability. In the Strumica region, red industrial pepper producers have threatened protests due to low procurement prices, which currently hover between 20 and 25 denars per kilogram despite recent government-mediated agreements.

Critics, including the Levica party, argue that the government lacks a strategic plan to protect citizens from these shocks. They highlight that food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 50.1% of household expenditures in 2025, and note that local farmers are facing higher input costs while receiving lower prices for their products, leading to rural depopulation and increased reliance on imports.