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The twenty imports Hungary is best placed to replace.

Hungary imported USD 130bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 147bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 4.3bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
226products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
931products Hungary already exports well
1314product 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 Hungary already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Hungary 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 Hungary does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons: tank wagons and the like, not self-propelledHS 860610

    Comes fromSlovakia 67%, 5 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRailway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock: parts, air brakes... (exports USD 242m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 418k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 81m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 74m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Slovakia supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 74mfrom USD 8m in 2022
  2. 2

    Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially colouredHS 252329

    Comes fromSlovakia 66%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone: of a kind commonly used... (exports USD 16m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 35m
    Countries that export it well54

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 262m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); Slovakia supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 262mup 116% on 2022
  3. 3

    Wood: coniferous species, of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled...HS 440712

    Comes fromSlovakia 52%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood: windows, French-windows and their frames: (of other than... (exports USD 116m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 69m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 125m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); Slovakia supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 125mdown 42% on 2022
  4. 4

    Machinery: parts of machinery of heading no. 8422HS 842290

    Comes fromGermany 64%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 3.9bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 54m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 180m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 111m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Germany supplies 64 per cent (2).

    USD 111mup 83% on 2022
  5. 5

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

    Comes fromGermany 40%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616 (exports USD 279m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 194m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 455m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Germany supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 455mdown 6% on 2022
  6. 6

    Machines and mechanical appliances: parts, of those having individual functionsHS 847990

    Comes fromGermany 48%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 3.9bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 155m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 862m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 280m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1); Germany supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 280mup 23% on 2022
  7. 7

    Machinery: catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust...HS 842132

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUnits of automatic data processing machines: processing units other... (exports USD 3.9bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 571m
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 198m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 198mup 220% on 2022
  8. 8

    Biodiesel and mixtures thereof: not containing or containing less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils...HS 382600

    Comes fromBulgaria 71%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHerbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators... (exports USD 318m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 118m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 98m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1); Bulgaria supplies 71 per cent (2).

    USD 98mdown 46% on 2022
  9. 9

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks, slabs or bars, (not filled), weighing 2kg or lessHS 180632

    Comes fromGermany 44%, 61 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks... (exports USD 85m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 316m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 75m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Germany supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 75mup 44% on 2022
  10. 10

    Plastics: builders' ware, doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doorsHS 392520

    Comes fromPoland 53%, 33 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 919m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 20m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 23m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 63m, top 29 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Poland supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 63mup 15% on 2022
  11. 11

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromGermany 17%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 474m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 328m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 74m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 456m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (1).

    USD 456mdown 9% on 2022
  12. 12

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromRomania 26%, 32 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616 (exports USD 279m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 171m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 348m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 455m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1).

    USD 455mdown 8% on 2022
  13. 13

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

    Comes fromGermany 20%, 69 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: mixes and doughs for the preparation of bread... (exports USD 109m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 161m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 148m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 347m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1).

    USD 347mup 44% on 2022
  14. 14

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromGermany 28%, 89 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHair preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3305 (exports USD 101m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 205m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 83m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 243m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 243mup 38% on 2022
  15. 15

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polymers of ethylene, non-cellular and not...HS 392010

    Comes fromGermany 39%, 49 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 919m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 110m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 101m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 233m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1).

    USD 233mup 2% on 2022
  16. 16

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

    Comes fromAustria 21%, 33 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white... (exports USD 160m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 55m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 187m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 187mup 32% on 2022
  17. 17

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 59%, 19 source countries
    Nearest export strengthProducts n.e.c. in heading 2404, intended for the intake of nicotine... (exports USD 192m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 183m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Poland supplies 59 per cent (1).

    USD 183mup 23% on 2022
  18. 18

    Instruments and apparatus: gas or smoke analysis apparatus, for physical or chemical analysisHS 902710

    Comes fromGermany 50%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRegulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic... (exports USD 914m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 77m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 181m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Germany supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 181mup 111% on 2022
  19. 19

    Furniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom useHS 940360

    Comes fromPoland 50%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSeats: parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor... (exports USD 538m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 64m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 320m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 158m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Poland supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 158mup 8% on 2022
  20. 20

    Instruments and apparatus: for measuring or checking pressureHS 902620

    Comes fromGermany 55%, 57 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRegulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic... (exports USD 914m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 36m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 50m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 130m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Hungary's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Germany supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 130mup 11% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Hungary 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.

  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 3.3bn, exports USD 2.2bn, top source South Korea 35%
  • Engines: parts, suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition... imports USD 1.3bn, exports USD 529m, top source Germany 43%
  • Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 imports USD 821m, exports USD 474m, top source Germany 28%
  • Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with... imports USD 629m, exports USD 375m, top source Germany 59%
  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 317m, exports USD 67m, top source Turkey 97%
  • Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics n.e.c. in heading... imports USD 302m, exports USD 59m, top source South Korea 73%
  • Aluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616 imports USD 496m, exports USD 279m, top source Italy 22%
  • Electric accumulators: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8507 imports USD 427m, exports USD 211m, top source Slovakia 28%
  • Pumps and compressors: parts, of air or vacuum pumps, air or other gas... imports USD 344m, exports USD 129m, top source China 35%
  • Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines... imports USD 2.1bn, exports USD 1.9bn, top source China 20%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1314 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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