North Macedonia: Economic and Political Overview
In this page: Economic Indicators | Foreign Trade in Figures | Sources of General Economic Information | Political Outline
North Macedonia is the poorest of the former Yugoslav republics; however, it has made significant progress in expanding its economy over the past decade: GDP grew an average of 5% annually between 2004 and 2008, driven mainly by domestic consumption and exports (notably metals and textile products). However, following a subdued post-pandemic recovery, economic growth has decelerated due to weakened external demand and more restrained household consumption. After growing a mere 1% in 2023, real GDP growth in 2024 reached 2.8%, surpassing estimates due to robust government spending and investment despite external challenges. The weak external demand observed in 2024 is expected to continue in 2025, influenced by structural shifts in the European automotive sector. In the long term, high emigration, particularly among the youth, is projected to reduce potential growth, which the IMF estimates at 3%.
North Macedonia recorded a general government deficit of an estimated 4.6% of GDP in 2024, primarily due to higher-than-expected revenues (driven by strong economic and wage growth) and some under-execution of capital expenditures (Fitch Ratings), while public debt continued to rise, surpassing 60% of GDP in 2024—14 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have not fully implemented the Organic Budget Law (OBL) in 2025, with adoption now expected to begin in 2026. The 2025 budget targets a 4% of GDP deficit, exceeding the OBL’s 3% limit. Officials cite significant capital expenditures and defence spending in 2025 as factors limiting fiscal consolidation. North Macedonia also drew EUR 265 million (1.7% of 2024 GDP) from the two-year IMF Precautionary Liquidity Line, which expired in November 2024. In January 2025, authorities fully repaid a EUR 500 million (3% of 2025F GDP) Eurobond by securing a sovereign loan from Hungary. Another EUR 500 million loan from Hungary, obtained in October 2024, is being used for budgetary purposes and on-lending through the Development Bank of North Macedonia. Meanwhile, average consumer prices increased by 3.5% in 2024, following a 9.4% rise the previous year (official governmental data). The rate is projected to stay above or around 3% in 2025, before slowing to a long-term average of 2% thereafter. While EU accession talks have faced obstacles due to Greece's historical dispute over the country's name, both the EU and Greek authorities commended North Macedonia's parliament for changing it to the Republic of North Macedonia. Moreover, North Macedonia's EU accession talks have faced delays due to bilateral disputes with Bulgaria. In July 2022, the country began negotiations after agreeing to a French proposal, which included a commitment to amend its constitution to recognize Bulgarians. However, political resistance has hindered progress. In September 2024, the EU decoupled North Macedonia's accession path from Albania due to unresolved issues, further stalling negotiations. The EU has stressed the need for bipartisan support in North Macedonia to move forward, and as of 2025, the country's EU membership remains uncertain, dependent on resolving internal challenges.
Unemployment remains structurally high at 11.9% at end-2024, driven by skills shortages and uneven regional development; however, much of the workforce is employed in the informal economy, thus the exact level of unemployment is hard to assess. Between 2004 and 2023, the population declined by 9.3%. Strong wage growth, averaging 13% annually in 2022–24, has led to some of the highest wages in the Western Balkans. According to the latest figures from the World Bank, about 17.6% of North Macedonian citizens live below the poverty line (USD 6.85 in 2017 PPP). The country’s GDP per capita (PPP) was estimated at USD 26,911 in 2024 by the IMF; nevertheless, the income ratio between the richest and poorest 20% of the population is more than eight times, the highest in the EU.
| Main Indicators | 2024 (E) | 2025 (E) | 2026 (E) | 2027 (E) | 2028 (E) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (billions USD) | 16.68 | 17.89 | 19.05 | 20.15 | 21.22 |
| GDP (Constant Prices, Annual % Change) | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.1 |
| GDP per Capita (USD) | 9,169 | 9,882 | 10,582 | 11,252 | 11,918 |
| General Government Gross Debt (in % of GDP) | 54.8 | 52.9 | 54.4 | 55.4 | 56.1 |
| Inflation Rate (%) | 3.5 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Unemployment Rate (% of the Labour Force) | 13.0 | 12.8 | 12.7 | 12.5 | 12.4 |
| Current Account (billions USD) | -0.39 | -0.39 | -0.41 | -0.44 | -0.47 |
| Current Account (in % of GDP) | -2.3 | -2.2 | -2.1 | -2.2 | -2.2 |
Source: IMF – World Economic Outlook Database , Latest available data
Note: (e) Estimated Data
The Republic of North Macedonia (formerly known as FYROM) has traditionally relied on the agriculture sector, which nowadays represents 6.6% of the GDP and employs 9.3% of the active population (World Bank, latest data available). According to figures from the UNDP, the North Macedonian agricultural sector is a very profitable business, also due to widespread governmental subsidies (the largest portion of the agriculture budget consists of direct payments for agriculture production and rural development). Crop cultivation is concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of the nation, benefiting from the favourable climate. Key vegetable crops include potatoes, beans, peppers, and tomatoes, while prominent fruit crops comprise apples, plums, peaches, and pears. Tobacco stands as the paramount agricultural export commodity. Arable agricultural land accounts for half of the total territory, of which about two-thirds are categorized as pastures and the rest as arable agricultural land. According to the data of the State Statistical Office, in 2024, cultivated land covered 506,586 hectares, with a 2.0% decrease in arable land and gardens, a 1.7% decline in vineyards, and a 3.1% increase in orchards. The total purchase and sale value of agricultural products stood at MKD 10.89 billion, up by 221% year-on-year.
The industrial sector represents 23.3% of the GDP and employs 30.2% of the active population. It includes chemical products, steel, machinery, and textiles. The textile sector constitutes the second main industry of the country after metallurgy (especially the leather industry), with the textile production output being close to an all-time high in the last two decades. The automotive sector enjoys dynamic development and growing importance for the country’s economy. The manufacturing sector alone contributes almost 13% of the GDP (World Bank). According to data from the country’s statistical office, North Macedonia's industrial production was down by 3.6% in 2024, after growing by 0.7% the previous year. The turnover index also saw a decrease (-2%).
The tertiary sector represents 57.2% of the GDP and employs 60.5% of the total workforce. The main income sources come from transport, telecommunications, and energy production. The information and communication technology industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Macedonian economy. The banking sector is self-funded and stable, and it is composed of 17 institutions (fifteen banks and two savings houses – European Banking Federation). The tourism sector is also pivotal: according to the statistical office, arrivals grew by 13.1% year-on-year, reaching 830,179 in 2024, with the number of overnight stays by foreigners reaching 1.5 million (up by 8.9%).
| Breakdown of Economic Activity By Sector | Agriculture | Industry | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment By Sector (in % of Total Employment) | 9.3 | 30.2 | 60.5 |
| Value Added (in % of GDP) | 6.1 | 24.1 | 56.2 |
| Value Added (Annual % Change) | 0.4 | 5.4 | 1.1 |
Source: World Bank - Latest available data.
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| Monetary Indicators | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYROM Denar () - Average Annual Exchange Rate For 1 MUR | 1.38 | 1.25 | 1.33 | 1.26 | 1.23 |
Source: World Bank - Latest available data.
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North Macedonia has an open economy and is highly integrated into international trade, with a total trade-to-GDP ratio of over 149% (World Bank, latest data available). According to data from the State Statistical Office, in 2023, in exports, the key products included supported catalysts with precious metals or compounds, ignition wiring sets for vehicles, aircraft, or ships, parts of seats (subgroup 821.1), and other supported catalysts. In imports, major products were petroleum oils (excluding crude), other platinum group metals and alloys (unwrought or powdered), platinum and platinum alloys (unwrought or powdered), and motor vehicles for transporting passengers.
In 2023, the country’s main export partners were Germany, which accounted for almost half of the total exports alone (44%), Serbia (4.8%), Kosovo (4.8%), Bulgaria (4.4%), and Greece (3.7%); with the main import origins being Germany (24.8%), the United Kingdom (7.8%), Greece (6.9%), China (5.7%), and Serbia (5.6% - data State Statistical Office). Overall, the EU accounted for 78.6% of total exports and 49.1% of imports. North Macedonia became a member of the WTO (World Trade Organisation) in April 2003. Following a cooperation agreement with the EU, North Macedonia signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which concedes the country duty-free access to European markets. Lastly, in 2006, the country became a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), generally considered the antechamber of the EU.
North Macedonia's trade structure has been traditionally in deficit. In 2023, the country exported goods worth USD 9 billion – a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year – importing USD 12 billion (-5.4% y-o-y). With regard to services, North Macedonia exported USD 2.8 billion in commercial services, importing USD 2 billion (data by WTO). The World Bank estimated the country’s 2023 overall trade deficit decreased to 13% of GDP (from 20.6% one year earlier). According to preliminary data from the State Statistical Office, in 2024, North Macedonia's exports totalled USD 8,425.3 million, down 6.4% from the previous year, while imports amounted to USD 11,969.6 million, a 0.7% decrease. The trade deficit for the period was USD 3,544.4 million.
| Foreign Trade Indicators | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imports of Goods (million USD) | 8,715 | 11,386 | 12,755 | 12,056 | 11,966 |
| Exports of Goods (million USD) | 6,638 | 8,186 | 8,727 | 8,999 | 8,422 |
| Imports of Services (million USD) | 1,127 | 1,413 | 1,570 | 2,034 | 1,975 |
| Exports of Services (million USD) | 1,643 | 2,061 | 2,433 | 2,860 | 3,156 |
| Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) | -10.9 | 14.8 | 13.6 | -10.2 | -1.4 |
| Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change) | -10.9 | 14.3 | 10.6 | -3.0 | -4.0 |
| Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) | 70.5 | 81.3 | 93.4 | 80.4 | 74.6 |
| Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP) | 57.8 | 65.4 | 72.8 | 67.4 | 61.7 |
| Trade Balance (million USD) | -2,060 | -2,751 | -3,668 | -2,850 | -3,336 |
| Trade Balance (Including Service) (million USD) | -1,583 | -2,154 | -2,886 | -2,064 | -2,188 |
| Foreign Trade (in % of GDP) | 128.2 | 146.7 | 166.1 | 147.8 | 136.3 |
Source: WTO – World Trade Organisation ; World Bank , Latest Available Data
| Main Customers (% of Exports) |
2024 |
|---|---|
| Germany | 39.8% |
| Serbia | 10.5% |
| Bulgaria | 5.6% |
| Hungary | 3.7% |
| Czech Republic | 3.6% |
| See More Countries | 36.8% |
| Main Suppliers (% of Imports) |
2024 |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 11.1% |
| Germany | 10.9% |
| China | 9.7% |
| Greece | 8.9% |
| Serbia | 7.1% |
| See More Countries | 52.3% |
Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data
Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data
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Source: United Nations Statistics Division, Latest Available Data
The country's main political divisions are often ethnically based. Political parties typically represent different ethnic groups: the majority Slavo-Macedonians, and minorities including Albanians and Turks. The major political parties represented in the Assembly following the 2024 elections include:
- Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE): centre-right, national conservative; represents ethnic Macedonians. Leads the "Your Macedonia" coalition.
- Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM): centre-left, social democratic; supports EU integration and interethnic cooperation. Leads the "For a European Future" coalition.
- European Front: coalition led by BDI; represents Albanian and other minority interests.
- VLEN Coalition: supports Albanian interests; centre-right.
- The Left (Levica): socialist, nationalist; critical of Western influence.
- For Our Macedonia (ZNAM): left-wing populist; founded by former SDSM members.
The Indicator of Political Freedom provides an annual evaluation of the state of freedom in a country as experienced by individuals. The survey measures freedom according to two broad categories: political rights and civil liberties. The ratings process is based on a checklist of 10 political rights questions (on Electoral Process, Political Pluralism and Participation, Functioning of Government) and 15 civil liberties questions (on Freedom of Expression, Belief, Associational and Organizational Rights, Rule of Law, Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights). Scores are awarded to each of these questions on a scale of 0 to 4, where a score of 0 represents the smallest degree and 4 the greatest degree of rights or liberties present. The total score awarded to the political rights and civil liberties checklist determines the political rights and civil liberties rating. Each rating of 1 through 7, with 1 representing the highest and 7 the lowest level of freedom, corresponds to a range of total scores.
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Latest Update: March 2026
