[REVISION HISTORY]

Bosnia and Herzegovina trade and consumer trends

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What changed

2026-08-25 07:31 UTC → 2026-08-25 07:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In the first half of 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced a decline in foreign shopping, with total purchases dropping to 40.5 million convertible marks (BAM) from 47.2 million BAM in the same period of 2025. This decrease was accompanied by a sharp fall in VAT-refund applications, which dropped to 95,597 from 150,647 the previous year. Authorities linked this trend to a rule change that doubled the minimum purchase amount required for a refund from 100 KM to 200 KM. By the first seven months of 2026, the country reported growth in foreign trade, with exports rising 5.6 percent to 10.456 billion KM. However, imports grew by 6.8 percent to 18.529 billion KM, leading to a trade deficit of 8.073 billion KM. Notably, the country imports approximately 80% of its food, highlighting a continued reliance on foreign markets despite growth in the metal and electrical industries. Logistical challenges for travelers intensified during the peak summer holiday season in August 2026. Significant delays and long queues were reported at several border crossings, most notably Gradina, Izačić, Velika Kladuša, Orašje, Bijača, and Hum. By late August, heavy traffic and congestion persisted at exits toward Croatia, specifically at Izačić, Velika Kladuša, Gradina, and Orašje, while Deleuša and Zupci faced congestion in both directions. These delays have been attributed to the holiday season and the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Travel is further complicated by extensive roadwork and infrastructure projects. On Closures and diversions have been reported on the ~~A-1 motorway,~~ Jajce–Crna Rijeka road, the Golubinja–Nemila section ~~is closed,~~ of the highway, and a 6 km stretch of the A-1 motorway between Lašva and Kakanj. On the A-1, repairs between Lašva and Kakanj have forced two-way traffic onto the opposite side of the highway. ~~Additionally, a new 7-kilometer section of the Koridor Vc motorway between Doboj Jug and Medakovo has opened and will remain toll-free until September 2, 2026.~~

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