BiH beer exports surge by over 67 percent in 2025

The most substantial growth was observed in specific categories, notably beer in containers under 10 liters and beer in kegs, which saw increases of 91.5 percent and 82 percent, respectively.

While exports soared, beer imports remained largely stagnant. Bosnia and Herzegovina imported beer worth 184.4 million KM (approximately €94.28 million) in 2025, an increase of only 0.1 percent. The total volume of imports reached approximately 1.7 million hectoliters, reflecting a minor decrease of 0.02 percent. The primary countries of origin for these imports remain Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Germany.

According to an analysis by the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, the total foreign trade volume for beer reached 202.6 million KM (approximately €103.58 million). Despite the strong export performance, the sector still faces a substantial trade deficit of approximately 169 million KM (approximately €86.41 million). However, the export-to-import coverage ratio improved to 11.7 percent, up from 8 percent in 2024.

The export market structure also underwent notable shifts. Serbia strengthened its position as the top destination for BiH beer, while Poland and the Russian Federation entered the top five leading markets, replacing Slovenia and Italy. This trend indicates that domestic producers are increasingly targeting markets with high volume potential, even if they offer lower average export prices. This strategic shift presents opportunities for further growth but also poses challenges regarding international brand positioning and long-term profitability.