North Macedonia’s trade deficit widened to $309 million in January 2026, up from $279 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports increased by 5.95% year-on-year to $931 million, largely driven by higher purchases of food and live animals (3.1%), beverages and tobacco (2.4%), and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (22.1%). These gains were partly offset by lower imports of crude materials (-4.1%), mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials (-11.8%), and miscellaneous manufactured articles (-0.7%).
Exports rose 3.8% to $622 million, supported by higher sales of animal and vegetable oils, fats, and waxes (33.1%), chemicals and related products (21.3%), and crude materials (8.9%). This growth was partially constrained by declines in exports of beverages and tobacco (-3%), machinery and transport equipment (-2.1%), and food and live animals (-8.7%).
