Croatia’s total goods exports reached €18.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025 — a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year — according to preliminary data released on Friday by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS). Imports also grew, rising by 4.6% to €33.6 billion.
The country’s foreign trade deficit for the period amounted to €15.1 billion, while the export-to-import coverage ratio stood at 55%, slightly higher than in 2024.
Stronger Trade with the EU
Trade with European Union member states continues to dominate Croatia’s foreign commerce. Between January and September, Croatia exported €12.3 billion worth of goods to the EU, an increase of 6.2% year-on-year. Exports to non-EU countries also rose by 4.1%, reaching €6.2 billion.
On the import side, purchases from EU countries increased by 2.6%, totalling €26 billion, while imports from non-EU markets surged by 12.2%, to €7.6 billion.
Revised Figures for Earlier Months
The DZS also revised data for the first eight months of the year. Between January and August, Croatian exports were valued at €16.3 billion, or 4.8% higher than in the same period of 2024, while imports rose by 5.1% to €30 billion.
The trade deficit for that period was €13.7 billion, and export coverage reached 54.3%.
Germany, Slovenia, and Italy Remain Key Partners
Germany continues to hold its position as Croatia’s largest trading partner. In the first eight months of 2025, exports to Germany rose by 11.3%, reaching €2.1 billion, while imports from Germany jumped by 18.2% to €4.8 billion.
Trade with Slovenia also expanded significantly — Croatian exports increased by 13% to €1.94 billion, while imports from Slovenia rose modestly by 2.9%, to €3.5 billion.
Meanwhile, exports to Italy climbed by 7.3%, totalling €1.88 billion, even as imports from Italy fell by 12% to €3.52 billion — narrowing the trade gap between the two countries.
A Continuing Upward Trend
Despite persistent trade imbalances, Croatia’s export growth remains steady, driven by stronger EU demand and rising sales to neighbouring countries. Economists note that while imports still outpace exports, the narrowing deficit and diversification of trade partners suggest resilient performance in Croatia’s export sector amid shifting global market conditions.