Economic analyst Mirza Mulešković emphasized the need for Montenegro to implement policies that diversify its economy and increase investment in domestic production rather than the real estate sector.
According to Monstat data, Montenegro spends nearly seven euros on imports for every euro earned from exports. In the first five months of this year, the country’s trade turnover exceeded €1.9 billion, with exports at €237 million and imports six times higher at €1.6 billion.
Mulešković noted that this trade imbalance is expected and is likely to worsen by year-end due to a planned reduction in electricity exports caused by maintenance at the thermal power plant.
He stressed that without economic diversification, strengthening the real economy, and creating new jobs in productive sectors, it will be difficult to address this situation.
Recent statistics also show that import coverage by exports is only 14.2%, down from nearly 16% last year.
Mulešković pointed out that Montenegro produces almost nothing domestically, which drives high consumption and consequently increased imports.
He highlighted that over 50% of investments go into real estate, while only 12.8% support the real economy, contributing to the persistent trade deficit and structural economic problems.
Electricity dominates Montenegro’s exports, while transport equipment, especially automobiles, leads imports.
Montenegro’s main trade partners for exports are Serbia, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina; for imports, they are Serbia, China, and Germany.
