Reaching the Consumers

Consumer Behavior: Macedonians are more interested in quality-value products than in brand names. Nevertheless, agricultural products are of high quality because Macedonians are very demanding.

Consumer Profile and Purchasing Power: The country is poor and the purchasing power of Macedonians is very low; there is not much space for leisure and tourism.

Distributing a Product

Market Shares: Even though the country is small, there is not a major leader in the distributing market. This market is very fragmented: there are many independent sellers, small shops and stands, supermarkets, street vendors, etc.

Specialized stores are quickly expanding in the larger cities.

The Greek supermarket chain "Veropulos" (also known as Vero) dominates the market, there are six stores in the country and plans to continue expanding.

The Turkish supermarket chain "Ramstore" supplies telecommunication products and services, it is the leader chain with more than 40 stores in the country.
Organizations in the Retail Sector: Invest in Macedonia

Main International Economic Cooperation: Member of CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement). It also has Free Trade agreements with Turkey and Ukraine, and Stabilization and Association agreements with the European Union.
Non Tariff Barriers: Non-tariff barriers have been suppressed.
Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports: Customs duty's average rate is less than 7%, on a downward trend. Maximum tax is 60%. It is applied to products such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages and tobacco. Minimum tax is 0%, applied to materials used for the industry of textiles. For more information, consult the site of Customs Administration of the Republic of Macedonia.

Customs Classification

Classification is based on the Harmonized System Codes (HS Code).

Import Procedures

In order to import products to the Republic of Macedonia, the following documents must be submitted:

- Single Administrative Document (DAU or SAD)

- The invoice indicating price and quantity

- Documents attesting the application of preferential rates: Certificate of origin, etc.

- Shipping documents: bill of lading, etc.

- Insurance

- Packing list

Importing Samples

Customs Administration of the Republic of Macedonia

For Further Information: Customs Administration of the Republic of Macedonia.

Learn more about Traders, Agents in Macedonia on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.

Main Useful Means of Transport: The main transportation means are by road or by rail.
Ports: Skopje and Ohrid Airports
Rail Europe
Macedonian Airlines (MAT)
Macedonian Railways (National Railway Company)
Public Road Transport Enterprise SKOPJE
Airports: Skopje Airport
Ohrid Airport
Sea Transport Organizations: None
Air Transport Organizations: Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Road Transport Organizations: Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Rail Transport Organizations: Macedonian Railways

Type of Production: The industrial sector represents 30% of GDP. It is concentrated around Skopje. The most important industries are: iron, steel, food, tobacco and textiles.

Multi-sector Directories: Directory Macedonia - Economy resources in the Republic of Macedonia.
Macedonian Yellow Pages - Find a business in Macedonia.

Manufacturers Associations of the Main Industries: 4 professional associations listed for Macedonia.

Trade Agencies and Their Representations Abroad: Economic Chamber of Macedonia
Macedonian Chambers of Commerce (in Macedonian)

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