According to Monstat, Montenegro has further deepened its dependence on food imports in the first half of 2025. Economic analyst Mirza Mulešković highlighted that imports are rising month by month, while exports are declining, pushing the import coverage by exports to a historic low.
Mulešković warned that Montenegro produces almost nothing domestically, which negatively affects the economy. High imports and low exports result in most money leaving the country, limiting investment in domestic production. Existing measures in agriculture, food processing, and related sectors are insufficient and need to be significantly expanded and better structured to boost local production.
The growing trade gap also hampers GDP growth potential. Weak export performance, particularly in electricity, has contributed to reduced growth projections for 2024 and 2025. Mulešković stressed the need for a strategic approach by institutions and improved dialogue with the private sector to address these economic vulnerabilities.
He also noted that Montenegro’s planned EU membership in 2028 could face challenges if the economy remains this exposed.
