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The twenty imports Bosnia and Herzegovina is best placed to replace.

Bosnia and Herzegovina imported USD 13bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 8.4bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 968mthe twenty, imported in 2024
52products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
773products Bosnia and Herzegovina already exports well
278product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Bosnia and Herzegovina already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Bosnia and Herzegovina does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromSerbia 66%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTobacco, (not stemmed or stripped) (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 13k
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 71m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Serbia supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 71mup 60% on 2022
  2. 2

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromSerbia 53%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the... (exports USD 8m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 30m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 74m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Serbia supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 74mup 14% on 2022
  3. 3

    Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not containing cocoa: communion wafers, empty...HS 190590

    Comes fromSerbia 22%, 48 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 29m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 65m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 65mup 37% on 2022
  4. 4

    T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610910

    Comes fromBangladesh 40%, 81 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBriefs and panties: women's or girls', of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 35m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 46m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Bangladesh supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 46mup 32% on 2022
  5. 5

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Comes fromSerbia 18%, 66 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSauces: tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 163m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 163mup 32% on 2022
  6. 6

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110

    Comes fromChina 17%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), tubing, piping and... (exports USD 6m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 30m
    Countries that export it well28

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 81m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 81mup 31% on 2022
  7. 7

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Comes fromGermany 24%, 84 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: builders' ware, doors, windows and their frames and... (exports USD 130m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 61m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 61mup 15% on 2022
  8. 8

    Particle board of wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substancesHS 441011

    Comes fromCroatia 28%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood: coniferous species, of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea... (exports USD 98m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 278k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 52m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 52mdown 12% on 2022
  9. 9

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromRussia 54%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSauces: tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces
    Exports of this lineUSD 131k
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 27m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Russia supplies 54 per cent (1).

    USD 27mdown 8% on 2022
  10. 10

    Paper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481910

    Comes fromCroatia 41%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthKraft paper and paperboard: sack kraft paper, uncoated, unbleached... (exports USD 68m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well46

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 41 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Croatia supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 24mdown 12% on 2022
  11. 11

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromSerbia 63%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added... (exports USD 198k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 45m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 43 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Serbia supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 23mup 94% on 2022
  12. 12

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: n.e.c. in chapter 18HS 180690

    Comes fromSerbia 19%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 35m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 57m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1).

    USD 57mup 28% on 2022
  13. 13

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellularHS 392190

    Comes fromItaly 24%, 48 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: builders' ware, doors, windows and their frames and... (exports USD 130m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 37m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 37mup 14% on 2022
  14. 14

    Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoaHS 170490

    Comes fromTurkey 19%, 52 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added... (exports USD 198k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 564k
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 35m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1).

    USD 35mup 38% on 2022
  15. 15

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromSerbia 46%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSauces: tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 29m, top 30 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Serbia supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 29mup 28% on 2022
  16. 16

    Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition...HS 870210

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 (exports USD 85m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 27m, top 34 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 27mup 109% on 2022
  17. 17

    Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of glass, (not ampoules), used for the...HS 701090

    Comes fromCroatia 54%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthGlass: multiple-walled insulating units of glass (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 26m, top 36 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); Croatia supplies 54 per cent (1).

    USD 26mup 22% on 2022
  18. 18

    Ice cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoaHS 210500

    Comes fromSerbia 42%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSauces: tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 39 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); Serbia supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 24mup 39% on 2022
  19. 19

    Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in...HS 720852

    Comes fromSerbia 50%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or... (exports USD 75m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 41k; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 56m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 41 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Serbia supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 23mdown 42% on 2022
  20. 20

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620342

    Comes fromBangladesh 35%, 62 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCoats: women's or girls', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes... (exports USD 54m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 48 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2).

    USD 21mup 11% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Bosnia and Herzegovina already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Beer: made from malt imports USD 103m, exports USD 8m, top source Serbia 58%
  • Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules... imports USD 67m, exports USD 12m, top source Croatia 23%
  • Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other... imports USD 83m, exports USD 32m, top source Croatia 25%
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no.... imports USD 56m, exports USD 8m, top source Serbia 57%
  • Aluminium: unwrought, (not alloyed) imports USD 68m, exports USD 22m, top source Switzerland 31%
  • Vinyl chloride polymers: monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension... imports USD 56m, exports USD 16m, top source Germany 64%
  • Hosiery and footwear: without applied soles, of cotton, knitted or crocheted... imports USD 42m, exports USD 4m, top source Croatia 39%
  • Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured imports USD 48m, exports USD 12m, top source Croatia 93%
  • Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not... imports USD 39m, exports USD 4m, top source Serbia 45%
  • Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks, slabs or... imports USD 37m, exports USD 4m, top source Croatia 32%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 278 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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