The total volume of foreign trade exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the world increased by 2.12 billion KM, which confirms the greater intensity of international trade, as well as the growth of economic activities and integration with foreign markets, it was pointed out today in Sarajevo at the presentation of the results organized by the Chamber of Foreign Trade of BiH.
The value of exports last year amounted to 17.42 billion KM, which is 882 million KM more than in 2024, and this growth represents a positive signal and indicates the gradual recovery of foreign markets, primarily the main trade partners of BiH.
The value of imports amounted to 30.43 billion KM, which is 1.21 billion KM more than the previous year, while the trade deficit increased by 359 million KM and amounted to 13 billion KM.
The President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, Ahmet Egrlić, said that the structure of the exchange remains stable, that the metal industry retains the largest share, while the wood industry achieves a surplus and makes a significant contribution to the foreign trade balance.
“It is especially important to emphasize the strong connection with the markets of the EU and the Cefta region, where domestic companies are integrated into regional and European value chains. The growth of exports in certain markets, along with the simultaneous need for further diversification and strengthening of competitiveness, indicates the potential of the domestic economy to further improve its position on the international market in the coming period,” Egrlić pointed out.
Belma Alihodžić, expert associate in the Sector for the Macroeconomic System of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, said that the EU remains key for domestic exports, and Croatia is the leading individual partner, while the most dynamic growth was recorded within Cefta, which confirms that regional markets are becoming an increasingly important space for placing BiH products and building long-term economic ties.
“The most important trade partner remains the EU, with more than 73 percent of total exports and 66 percent of total imports. Moderate import growth of 2.68 percent and stronger export growth of 5.57 percent confirm stable and intensive foreign trade, with exports to the EU increased by 669 million KM,” said Alihodžić.
According to her, the coverage of imports by exports with the EU is 62.7 percent, which indicates a stable but still deficit relationship, with the EU maintaining its position as a key partner and the main driver of domestic exports.
Last year, the total export to the countries of the Cefta region amounted to 2.97 billion KM and was higher by 135 million KM compared to the previous year, while the import was 4.74 billion KM and was higher by 229 million KM.
The largest volume of exchange is achieved with Serbia, where goods worth 1.88 billion KM were exported, while the value of imports amounted to 4.10 billion KM.
Alihodžić said that 404.52 million KM were exported to the EFTA market, and that it was higher by 64.5 million KM compared to 2024, while imports amounted to 603.16 million KM and was higher by 30.61 million KM.
According to her, more than 70 percent of the total exchange with EFTA is realized with Switzerland, where exports reached 344.37 million KM, while imports amounted to 547.66 million KM.
She emphasized that BiH achieved an increase in exports to third markets of 3.6 percent, where a total of 1.37 billion KM worth of goods were exported, while imports amounted to 4.85 billion KM and were 9.48 percent higher than in 2024, and exports grew only to Turkey, while imports grew the most from China.
Amila Močević, expert associate in the Sector for the Macroeconomic System, said that, when looking at trade in the sectors of the economy, there is an evident increase in both exports and imports in almost all branches, which directly resulted in a larger volume of total trade.
According to her, the structure of export growth shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina is making the fastest progress in the energy, electronics and automotive sectors.
“The overall growth in exports is largely the result of a strong increase in electricity exports, which increased by 30 percent and confirmed the key role of the energy sector in the export structure of BiH”, emphasized Močević.
She stated that sectors with higher added value also made a significant contribution, and added that the export of parts for the automotive industry increased by 13 percent, and insulated wires by seven percent, which confirms the stable integration of domestic companies into European supply chains.
Močević added that petroleum and petroleum oils continue to represent the most important imported products, with a value of 2.24 billion KM in 2025, despite a seven percent drop.
“Imports of cars increased by nine percent, and medicines by eight percent. The growth of electricity imports of 101 percent, to 628.96 million KM, was particularly pronounced, which indicates an energy imbalance and the need to strengthen domestic capacities,” said Močević.
