Overview

In 2023, Slovakia’s agriculture, fish, and forestry imports totaled USD 7.9 billion, an increase of USD 750 million compared to 2022. Agricultural exports also reported an increase too, with a total value of USD 5.59 billion. Due to its size and climate, Slovakia depends on imports for many fresh food products. More than 75 percent of all agricultural imports come from other EU countries, particularly neighboring Czechia and Poland, followed by Germany and Hungary.

The food-processing sector is one of the largest industrial sectors in Slovakia, accounting for 15 percent of total industrial output. The largest shares of total food production are in dairy production (18 percent), meat production (17 percent), brewing (8 percent), poultry production (8 percent), and confectionery-baking production (7 percent).

Slovakia imported USD 40.5 million worth of U.S. food and agricultural products in 2023, a 4 percent decline compared to 2022. However, U.S. import values rebounded in 2024.

The best prospects for U.S. agricultural products include consumer-oriented products such as dried nuts and fruits, particularly almonds, pistachios, and peanuts. After a significant decline in 2023, imports of dried nuts and fruits (HS Code 08) reported record sales in 2024. Food preparations for the food-processing industry and distilled spirits imports have been oscillating at similar values for the 2022-2024 period. The fish and seafood category significantly declined between 2019 and 2023. Finally, the pet food category continues to be a niche market opportunity for U.S. exporters.

Best Sub-sector Prospects for Agricultural Products

Table 1: Dried Nuts and Fruits, Unit: USD thousands
 

Source: Trade Data Monitor (HS code: 08); *) estimate based on January-November 2024 data; Bureau of Fiscal Service, Exchange Rate U.S. Dollar/Euro - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Table 2: Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar, Unit USD thousands

Source: Trade Data Monitor (HS code: 22); *) estimate based on January-November 2024 data; Bureau of Fiscal Service, Exchange Rate U.S. Dollar/Euro - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Table 3: Food Preparation, Unit USD thousands

Source: Trade Data Monitor (HS code: 21); *) estimate based on January-November 2024 data; Bureau of Fiscal Service, Exchange Rate U.S. Dollar/Euro - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Table 4: Resides and Waste from Food Industries/ Prepared Animal Feed, Unit USD thousands

Source: Trade Data Monitor (HS code: 21); *) estimate based on January-November 2024 data; Bureau of Fiscal Service, Exchange Rate U.S. Dollar/Euro - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Table 5: Preparations of Vegetables, Fruit, Nuts, or Other Parts of Plants, Unit USD thousands

Source: Trade Data Monitor (HS code: 20); *) estimate based on January-November 2024 data; Bureau of Fiscal Service, Exchange Rate U.S. Dollar/Euro - U.S. Department of the Treasury

Resources

United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) Mission to the European Union

Foreign Agricultural Service Europe

Contact: HlavackovaM@state.gov