North Macedonia watermelon trade surplus shrinks as imports rise

North Macedonia is experiencing a significant shift in its melon and watermelon trade dynamics. While domestic production remains stable at approximately 130,000 tons annually, the country's trade surplus in this sector is rapidly shrinking due to a sharp rise in imports.

Data from the State Statistical Office indicates that the export-to-import ratio has dropped from 6.4:1 in 2022 to nearly 1.3:1 this year. In the first seven months of the current year, North Macedonia exported 4,381 tons of watermelon but imported 5,924 tons, marking a rare occurrence in recent years where imports have exceeded exports in absolute terms.

Albania has emerged as the primary supplier for the domestic market, providing nearly 89 percent of all imported quantities. On the export side, the Czech Republic remains the largest market, accounting for 36 percent of total exports. While traditional regional markets like Serbia and Kosovo are losing importance, markets in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly the Baltic states, are growing. Norway and Germany remain the most profitable destinations due to higher average export prices per kilogram.