BiH's foreign trade deficit in first half of year 6.25 billion KM, most exported electricity but also imported

(Patria) - The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Analysis of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations on the foreign trade exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period I - VI 2025, characterized by growth in both imports and exports compared to the same period in 2024.

The total merchandise trade of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first half of this year amounted to 23.11 billion KM, an increase of 4.98 percent compared to the same period last year. The value of exported goods was 8.43 billion KM, while the value of imported goods amounted to 14.68 billion KM, with the foreign trade deficit standing at 6.25 billion KM.

Export growth of 5.83 percent and import growth of 4.49 percent resulted in an increase in import coverage by exports of 0.73 percent. During this period, Bosnia and Herzegovina exported the most electricity, worth 439.4 million KM, insulated wire and cables worth 366.1 million KM, followed by iron or steel structures and their parts worth 274.7 million KM, parts and accessories for motor and traction vehicles worth 268 million KM, and seats and their parts worth 242.4 million KM. At the same time, BiH imported the most petroleum oils, excluding crude, worth 1.04 billion KM, passenger cars worth 681.2 million KM, as well as medicines worth 383.9 million KM and electricity worth 344 million KM.

The European Union remains the most significant foreign trade partner of BiH, with goods worth 6.23 billion KM exported to EU countries, which is 4.94 percent more than in the first half of 2024, while imports amounted to 8.55 billion KM, an increase of 1.57 percent compared to the same period last year.

During this period, the trade deficit decreased by 6.47 percent compared to the first half of 2024, amounting to 2.32 billion KM.

Among the main trading partners, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the highest import coverage by exports with Austria (155.77 percent), Slovenia (130.84 percent), Croatia (118.80 percent), and Germany (74.71 percent).