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The twenty imports Czech Republic is best placed to replace.

Czech Republic imported USD 208bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 233bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 14bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
178products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1317products Czech Republic already exports well
1727product 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 Czech Republic already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Turbines: parts of gas turbines (excluding turbo-jets and turbo-propellers)HS 841199

    Comes fromUnited States 68%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 5.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 197m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 315m
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 279m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); United States supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 279mup 15% on 2022
  2. 2

    Transmission shafts (including cam shafts and crank shafts) and cranksHS 848310

    Comes fromGermany 66%, 72 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 5.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 78m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 119m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 235m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); Germany supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 235mup 18% on 2022
  3. 3

    Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder...HS 840734

    Comes fromGermany 45%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 5.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 289m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 32m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 1.9bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Germany supplies 45 per cent (1).

    USD 1.9bnup 72% on 2022
  4. 4

    Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840

    Comes fromGermany 45%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston... (exports USD 7.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 691m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 1.3bn
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 1.4bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Germany supplies 45 per cent (1).

    USD 1.4bnup 10% on 2022
  5. 5

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 33 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston... (exports USD 7.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 340m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 548m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 496m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 496mdown 12% on 2022
  6. 6

    Fans: n.e.c. in item no. 8414.51HS 841459

    Comes fromGermany 45%, 77 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 5.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 146m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 40m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 255m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Germany supplies 45 per cent (1).

    USD 255mdown 6% on 2022
  7. 7

    Vinyl chloride polymers: monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile...HS 391620

    Comes fromGermany 67%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 1.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 23m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 90m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Germany supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 90mdown 12% on 2022
  8. 8

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromGermany 21%, 71 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles: (excluding adhesive... (exports USD 312m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2.5bn; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 849m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 4.3bn, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 4.3bnup 10% on 2022
  9. 9

    Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in...HS 300215

    Comes fromSwitzerland 38%, 44 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles: (excluding adhesive... (exports USD 312m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 216m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 534m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1).

    USD 1.1bndown 0% on 2022
  10. 10

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612

    Comes fromGermany 34%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616 (exports USD 574m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 138m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 194m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 558m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 558mdown 6% on 2022
  11. 11

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Comes fromGermany 37%, 80 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMicroscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatus (exports USD 1.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 571m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 466m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 481m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 481mup 29% on 2022
  12. 12

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

    Comes fromPoland 32%, 70 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 372m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 389m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 25m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 476m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1).

    USD 476mup 35% on 2022
  13. 13

    Electric motors and generators: DC, of an output not exceeding 750WHS 850131

    Comes fromGermany 31%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks (exports USD 8.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 145m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 104m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 363m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1).

    USD 363mdown 22% on 2022
  14. 14

    Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180

    Comes fromGermany 35%, 98 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMicroscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatus (exports USD 1.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 255m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 111m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 354m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 354mup 16% on 2022
  15. 15

    Electrical machines and apparatus: having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter...HS 854370

    Comes fromChina 26%, 80 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks (exports USD 8.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 344m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 141m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 314m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 314mdown 8% on 2022
  16. 16

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

    Comes fromGermany 31%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 1.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 172m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 239m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 307m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1).

    USD 307mdown 7% on 2022
  17. 17

    Aluminium: waste and scrapHS 760200

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616 (exports USD 574m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 174m
    Countries that export it well77

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 189m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 189mdown 12% on 2022
  18. 18

    Paper & paperboard: uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard), weight 150g/m2, or less, in rolls or sheetsHS 480524

    Comes fromGermany 51%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper... (exports USD 234m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 25m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 193m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 152m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Germany supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 152mdown 20% on 2022
  19. 19

    Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 130kWHS 870195

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston... (exports USD 7.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 709m
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 136m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 136mdown 24% on 2022
  20. 20

    Microtomes and parts and accessories thereofHS 902790

    Comes fromJapan 51%, 57 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMicroscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatus (exports USD 1.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 78m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 147m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 131m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Czech Republic's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Japan supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 131mdown 2% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Czech Republic 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.

  • Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks imports USD 9.8bn, exports USD 8.1bn, top source China 78%
  • Insulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a... imports USD 2.5bn, exports USD 1.3bn, top source Germany 14%
  • Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg... imports USD 4.1bn, exports USD 2.9bn, top source China 71%
  • Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not... imports USD 3.2bn, exports USD 2.7bn, top source China 53%
  • Units of automatic data processing machines: storage units imports USD 2.0bn, exports USD 1.5bn, top source China 19%
  • Firearms: (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding... imports USD 717m, exports USD 261m, top source Bulgaria 59%
  • Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 689m, top source Taiwan 35%
  • Electric motors: of an output not exceeding 37.5W imports USD 578m, exports USD 183m, top source Germany 19%
  • Printing machinery: parts and accessories, n.e.c. in item no. 8443.91 imports USD 920m, exports USD 549m, top source China 29%
  • Monitors: other than cathode-ray tube: capable of directly connecting to and... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 734m, top source China 75%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1727 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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