Agribusiness is one of North Macedonia’s most promising sectors. Agribusiness (including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries) accounted for 6.6 percent of GDP (2023 data), 9 percent of total trade (as of most recent data in 2022), and 8.9 percent of the total number of people employed in the country (2024 data). Exports of agricultural and food products in 2024 constituted 11 percent of North Macedonia’s total exports, and 12 percent of total imports. The top markets for agriculture and food products are the EU (49.3 percent of total exports) and CEFTA countries (37.6 percent). The main exported agricultural products from North Macedonia are tobacco, wine, fresh and canned vegetables, fruits, confectionery products, and lamb meat. The EU provided 47 percent of North Macedonia’s total agriculture imports in 2024, while CEFTA countries provided 28.7 percent. The main imported agricultural products are meat (frozen and chilled) and processed meat, grains, sunflower oil, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, and processed foods.
North Macedonia-U.S. trade in agricultural products in 2024 was $41.2 million, an increase from $39.85 in 2023. Compared to 2023, the U.S. share of North Macedonia’s overall agricultural imports decreased by 0.17 percent (from 1.06 percent to 0.89 percent of total imports), while the share of North Macedonia’s agricultural exports going to the United States remained consistent (2.76 percent in 2023 to 2.73 percent in 2024.) Tobacco remained the largest export product to the United States (11 percent of the total of North Macedonia’s tobacco exports), along with chocolates and other products containing cocoa and processed vegetables. Tree nuts were the top import product, along with various processed foods, poultry, and bourbon. In July 2025, North Macedonia introduced a zero-percent tariff on imports of all U.S.-origin products. This preferential rate eliminates customs duties, making American goods more competitive and attractive in the local market, is expected to stimulate trade and diversify consumer choices.
Food and beverage processing are significant industries in North Macedonia, as well as processing of fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed foods include both semi-finished products (frozen, dried, and concentrates) and finished products (canned and preserved). Over 75 percent of processed foods are exported, mostly to the EU and neighboring countries. Most food-processing facilities are private companies.
The National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development 2021 – 2027 aims to strengthen the ability of North Macedonia’s agricultural sector to compete in the EU and other regional markets and to promote sustainable and balanced rural development, while retaining the youth population through creating better living conditions. The key strategic goals are to improve competitiveness, economic sustainability, and incomes by improving food supply security and strengthening the sector’s market orientation. The strategy also focuses on technology and digitalization, the application of sustainable environmental practices to mitigate and adapt to climate change and attracting young farmers. The total agriculture budget (including capital investment, financial support to agricultural development, and subsidies to farmers) in 2024 was $440 million, accounting for approximately 8 percent of the national budget. Approximately 49 percent of the agriculture budget ($200 million) is used for support and direct payments for agriculture production and rural development.
The biggest challenge for farming in North Macedonia is the division of land. Most parcels are very small and fragmented, with over 55 percent of parcels consisting of two to five hectares. Only 0.14 percent have 50 hectares or more. To address this long-standing structural challenge, the government adopted the National Land Consolidation Strategy 2025–2035 in September 2025 to address land fragmentation, irregularly shaped plots, small farm sizes, abandoned arable land, and outdated agricultural infrastructure – challenges which undermine efficiency, competitiveness, and the long-term vitality of rural communities. The strategy aims to reduce land fragmentation, consolidate agricultural holdings, modernize infrastructure, and enhance the sector’s resilience to climate change, while placing strong emphasis on environmental protection and nature restoration through land consolidation.
| Market Size Term | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Total Local Production* | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Total Exports | 696 | 647 | 700 | 392 | 906 | 1,000 |
| Total Imports | 933 | 894 | 1,050 | 557 | 1,419 | 1,558 |
Imports from the US
| 10.8 | 15.3 | 10.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 12.8 |
| *Total Market Size | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Exchange Rates | 55 | 50 | 55 | 56 | 55 | 53 |
*Total Local Production – North Macedonia’s Ministry of Agriculture does not publish cumulative agriculture production data, only category-specific figures.
*Total Market Size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Leading Sub-Sectors
Wine production: The production of wine together with viticulture contributes 17-20 percent of the gross agricultural product in North Macedonia. Traditionally, wine ranks first in terms of exports of alcoholic beverages, and second, after tobacco, in terms of overall export value of agricultural products. Total wine production capacity is about 2.0 million hectoliters (hl), but the country traditionally produces around 1 million hl. In the past 5 years, the production and subsequent export of wine decreased, mainly due to the shrinking area of vineyards and decreases in the domestic grape supply. North Macedonia has nearly 23,000 hectares of vineyards (a decrease from 30,000 in 2018), of which 80 percent grow wine grapes and the rest grow table grapes. Total wine production reached over 100 million liters in 2018, but it has been decreasing since then to 84 million liters in 2022, and 56 million hl in 2024. With more than 85 percent sold on the foreign market, wine is a strategic export for the country. In 2024, approximately 50 percent of wine exports were in bulk, and 50 percent were bottled. Changes in the Law on Wine in 2019 relaxed registration requirements in the Register of Wine Producers for small/family wineries and increased the total number of registered wine makers from 74 in 2019 to 160 (2022). In 2024 total wine exports reached 403,950 hl (approximately 72 percent of total production), with a decrease of 25 percent by volume and increase of 2 percent in value compared to 2023. While 2024 was one of the worst years for winemakers in terms of both production and sales, the preliminary results for 2025 show a significant increase in grape production and wine production is expected to reach its standard quantities. Main export markets are the EU and Western Balkan countries, with some exports to China, Canada, Japan, and the United States. Export opportunities exist for U.S. companies for equipment that will increase the volume of wine bottled in North Macedonia and technology and supplies to stimulate production of new grape varieties and modernizing vineyards. In September 2023, the government adopted a ten-year National Strategy for the Development of Winemaking and Viticulture (2023-2033), and outlines as key priorities modernizing the sector, increasing exports of North Macedonia’s wine, developing wine tourism and measures to protect against climate change to ensure sustainability and biodiversity conservation in vineyards.
Tobacco production: Tobacco is a significant agricultural export, which accounts for almost one quarter of total agri-food exports – though it slipped to 14.7 percent in 2024 because of poor conditions for agriculture production in general. Preliminary 2025 results show tobacco rebounded to 21 percent of the export value. Tobacco was the top industrial crop again in 2024, planted on almost 70 percent of the total area for industrial crops. With about 18,000 tobacco growers, production has been relatively stable at around 24,000 MT. Nearly all raw tobacco production is contracted by multinational companies through registered branches in the country and exported as fermented tobacco. The largest export market is the EU, followed by the United States, South Korea, and Marocco.
Organic production: Organic farming is a growing sector in North Macedonia, supported by both government programs and increasing demand. By 2024, approximately 1,050 registered organic agricultural producers managed around 5,600 hectares of certified organic land. Organic farms primarily produce meat and dairy (including products from lamb, sheep, and goat livestock), honey, cereals, industrial oil crops, wine, fruits, and vegetables. The Ministry of Agriculture has adopted a National Organic Industry Strategy for 2021–2027, which provides a range of incentives for organic farmers. Under this strategy, the government co-finances 50 percent of certification costs and 70 percent of necessary soil and laboratory analyses. In addition, organic farmers receive higher subsidies compared to conventional farming: 30 percent more for feed crops, 70 percent more for fruit and grape crops, and 100 percent more for vegetable crops. These measures are designed to promote sector growth and increase both domestic supply and export potential for organic products.
Fresh fruit and vegetable production: Fresh fruit and vegetable production comprises 45.8 percent of agriculture output in the country and is export oriented. Crop production is concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country, due to the favorable climate. Over 75 percent of vegetable production is in open fields, 20 percent in hoop houses, and the rest in glass greenhouses. Top vegetable crops are cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers, while top fruit crops are apples, plums, peaches, and cherries.
Preserved fruits and vegetables: The food processing industry in North Macedonia is comprised of 55–60 companies, with a combined processing capacity of approximately 200,000 tons of fruits and vegetables per year. Key raw materials include red peppers, industrial tomatoes, sour cherries, apples, and plums, which are produced in significant volumes domestically. Despite growth in production, the sector remains underdeveloped due to challenges such as inconsistent quality and supply of raw materials, limited supplier sophistication, shortage of skilled labor, and difficulties in accessing financing. Efforts by the government and donor programs to support modernization and improve value chains are gradually helping to strengthen the industry, though further investments are needed to enhance competitiveness and expand export potential.
Opportunities
U.S. food exporters should focus on establishing their business relationships with reliable and efficient importers and distributors, with access to appropriate distribution and sales channels.
North Macedonia presents a favorable environment for U.S. investors. With a zero-tariff regime for imports of U.S. goods instituted in July 2025 and duty-free access for North Macedonia products to both the EU and regional markets, American companies can combine cost-efficient local production with seamless transatlantic trade. Fertile land, combined with a skilled yet affordable workforce and a climate well-suited for high-value crops, create opportunities in greenhouse and open-field production of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Domestic production of agricultural machinery is minimal, and the market relies on imports. U.S. firms can also bring advanced irrigation, cold-chain, and traceability technologies – areas with high demand and limited local supply – to boost export competitiveness. Production of wine, fruit and vegetable preserves, dairy, and meat, as well as renewable energy solutions for farms, offer additional high-return segments. Experts have also identified problems in waste treatment and disposal, hygiene, and meeting environmental standards. Coupled with EU development support for sustainable, export-oriented agriculture, North Macedonia offers U.S. businesses a strategic platform to expand in Southeast Europe.
The government of North Macedonia considers agriculture a target area for future investment, growth, and development, including increased foreign direct investment. Although the government provided significant financial support to farmers over the past 15 years, the lack of modern equipment and investment in processing facilities remains a key weakness of the agriculture sector. To foster development and increase efficiency and output, the government introduced a 10-year (2024-2034) National Land Consolidation Strategy that would make farmland more suitable for use of agriculture machinery.
A net meat importer, North Macedonia lacks sufficient meat production (except for pork), and the number of farm animals continues to decrease. Over 50 percent of meat consumption needs (meat and processed meat) are met through imports. The poultry industry is focused on egg production. There is a surplus of eggs, but poultry meat production is insufficient to satisfy the local fresh meat market. In contrast, the domestic pork industry satisfies almost 90 percent of the market for fresh meat, while all meat processing industries cover the remainder of their needs through imports. There is a significant lack of beef, as most of the cattle in the country are dairy cows. Lamb meat is the only net-exported livestock product. Around 85 percent of North Macedonia’s lamb production is exported to EU countries, mainly to Greece, Croatia, and Italy around Christmas and Easter.
The country is a net importer of bovine genetics and seeks to improve its productivity and efficiency. Annually, the country imports 50-60,000 doses of bovine semen. The main suppliers (by value) are the United States, Canada, and France.
North Macedonia also imports most of its grain. There is insufficient domestic production of corn to meet domestic consumption. The country imports one-third of its wheat annually. There is no production of soybeans; most soybean meal is purchased from Serbia and Hungary by large farms and concentrated producers, and U.S.-origin soybean meal comes through Greece and Bulgaria. Higher protein meal is in demand, but the market is highly price sensitive.