Montenegro imported €1.73 billion worth of goods during the first five months of 2026, compared with €214.8 million in exports, as import demand continued to significantly exceed the value of goods sold abroad.
Imports rise while exports decline
Goods imports increased 1.9% year on year in January-May, while merchandise exports decreased 9.4%. The different movements widened the imbalance between Montenegro’s imports and exports and underscored the scale of the country’s reliance on foreign goods to meet domestic consumption and investment requirements.
Machinery and vehicles lead import categories
Machines and transport equipment represented the largest import category during the period, with a total value of €422.6 million. Road vehicles accounted for €167.8 million of that amount.
Food products were the second-largest listed category, with imports reaching €318.6 million, while industrial products accounted for €261.5 million. Together, machinery and transport equipment, food products and industrial products represented a substantial share of Montenegro’s total goods-import requirements in January-May.
Import composition reflects domestic demand
The value of machinery imports includes goods that can be associated with productive investment, while vehicle imports can reflect demand from both businesses and households. Industrial products can also serve economic activities including construction.
Food imports represent a different component of external demand, with a significant share of domestic food requirements being supplied through foreign agricultural and food-production systems. The January-May trade figures show how increases in household incomes, tourism activity and investment can translate into higher demand for imported goods.
Montenegro’s merchandise trade therefore combines substantial import requirements with a comparatively smaller export base. During the first five months of 2026, imports reached €1.73 billion, while exports stood at €214.8 million. The figures also show the importance of expanding domestic production and export capacity alongside import demand, with Montenegro continuing to rely on international trade to meet consumption and investment needs.
