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The twenty imports Slovakia is best placed to replace.

Slovakia imported USD 99bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 111bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 5.8bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
215products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
892products Slovakia already exports well
1159product 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 Slovakia already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Slovakia 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 Slovakia does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

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

    Comes fromGermany 59%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 235m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 21m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 56m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 400m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Germany supplies 59 per cent (1).

    USD 400mdown 7% on 2022
  2. 2

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

    Comes fromHungary 50%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthLubricating oil additives: not containing petroleum oils or oils... (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 82m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 214m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Hungary supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 214mdown 16% on 2022
  3. 3

    Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavouredHS 220210

    Comes fromCzech Republic 51%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUndenatured ethyl alcohol: of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80%... (exports USD 66m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 76m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 78m
    Countries that export it well60

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 193m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Czech Republic supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 193mup 44% on 2022
  4. 4

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 41%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthProducts n.e.c. in heading 2404, intended for the intake of nicotine... (exports USD 834k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 168m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); Poland supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 168mup 30% on 2022
  5. 5

    Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 290122

    Comes fromHungary 86%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCyclic hydrocarbons: toluene (exports USD 28m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 103m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Hungary supplies 86 per cent (2).

    USD 103mup 3% on 2022
  6. 6

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Comes fromCzech Republic 89%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthUndenatured ethyl alcohol: of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80%... (exports USD 66m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 15m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 93m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Czech Republic supplies 89 per cent (2).

    USD 93mup 32% on 2022
  7. 7

    Firearms: (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307HS 930400

    Comes fromCzech Republic 97%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAmmunition: cartridges and parts thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 9306 (exports USD 234m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 72m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); Czech Republic supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 72mup 123% 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 fromCzech Republic 21%, 65 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPharmaceutical goods: appliances identifiable for ostomy use (exports USD 77m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 539m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 245m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.5bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 1.5bnup 9% on 2022
  9. 9

    Vehicle parts: road wheels and parts and accessories thereofHS 870870

    Comes fromGermany 21%, 52 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating... (exports USD 10bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 83m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 264m
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 442m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 442mup 2% on 2022
  10. 10

    Copper: waste and scrapHS 740400

    Comes fromPoland 39%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCopper: unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining (exports USD 554m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 155m
    Countries that export it well76

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 432m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1).

    USD 432mup 78% on 2022
  11. 11

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromNorway 16%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 235m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 114m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 59m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 378m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1).

    USD 378mup 2% on 2022
  12. 12

    Electrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537HS 853890

    Comes fromGermany 24%, 74 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks (exports USD 3.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 111m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 260m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1).

    USD 260mdown 1% on 2022
  13. 13

    Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including...HS 848180

    Comes fromCzech Republic 35%, 72 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no.... (exports USD 714m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 86m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 194m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 255m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1).

    USD 255mdown 3% 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 fromCzech Republic 38%, 103 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOral or dental hygiene preparations: dentifrices (exports USD 357m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 80m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 31m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 251m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 251mup 28% on 2022
  15. 15

    Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feedingHS 230910

    Comes fromCzech Republic 34%, 51 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the... (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 80m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 109m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 229m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1).

    USD 229mup 59% on 2022
  16. 16

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromCzech Republic 36%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOrganic surface-active products and preparations for washing the... (exports USD 41m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 62m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 52m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 215m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1).

    USD 215mup 39% on 2022
  17. 17

    Carbon: carbon blacks and other forms of carbon n.e.c.HS 280300

    Comes fromPoland 29%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCarbides: of calcium, whether or not chemically defined (exports USD 55m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 21m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 178m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 178mdown 4% on 2022
  18. 18

    Electrical apparatus: switches n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853650

    Comes fromGermany 24%, 81 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks (exports USD 3.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 80m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 330m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 160m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1).

    USD 160mup 0% on 2022
  19. 19

    Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumaticHS 903289

    Comes fromSouth Korea 43%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeters: speed indicators and tachometers: stroboscopes (exports USD 95m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 60m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 103m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 138m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); South Korea supplies 43 per cent (1).

    USD 138mdown 0% on 2022
  20. 20

    Iron or steel: helical springs and leaves for springsHS 732020

    Comes fromCzech Republic 44%, 55 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 624m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 97m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Slovakia's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Czech Republic supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 97mup 1% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Slovakia 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.

  • Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat belts imports USD 3.9bn, exports USD 1.7bn, top source Germany 28%
  • Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of... imports USD 1.7bn, exports USD 511m, top source Hungary 38%
  • Insulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a... imports USD 1.6bn, exports USD 795m, top source Romania 15%
  • Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereof imports USD 1.9bn, exports USD 1.2bn, top source Germany 43%
  • Seats: parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles... imports USD 925m, exports USD 446m, top source Romania 22%
  • Vehicle parts: silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes: parts thereof imports USD 545m, exports USD 82m, top source Germany 50%
  • Engines: parts, suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition... imports USD 677m, exports USD 226m, top source South Korea 65%
  • Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 imports USD 916m, exports USD 480m, top source Germany 23%
  • Vehicle parts: steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes: parts... imports USD 593m, exports USD 203m, top source Germany 28%
  • Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with... imports USD 744m, exports USD 368m, top source Germany 36%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1159 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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