1 Jun 2026
Pellet exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina have significantly increased this year, as has domestic consumption. Despite higher prices and strong fluctuations in demand, supply has remained stable thanks to larger capacities and favorable weather conditions, which have enabled the industry to better prepare for the heating season.
Throughout the year, demand fluctuated in waves – from periods of almost no interest to a strong surge at the start of the heating season. Producers emphasize that there is currently enough pellet supply, although interest is weaker than it was two months ago.
In the first 11 months of this year, BiH exported 73,113 tons of pellets worth 26.335 million KM, while in the same period last year, exports amounted to 55,180 tons (17.998 million KM). Growth is evident both in quantity and value.
Imports have also increased but remain significantly lower. From January to the end of November, 1,074 tons of pellets worth 484,821 KM were imported, compared to 431 tons for the entire previous year. BiH thus continues to be a strong net exporter.
The largest quantities of pellets were exported to Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia, while the majority of imports came from Croatia. Volumes from Germany and Austria were minimal.
According to producers, pellets are available without interruptions, though demand was significantly stronger at the start of the season. A warmer period following the initial cold snap allowed for increased production and securing of stocks. Had the winter maintained the same intensity, the market would have been under greater pressure.
Seasonality was pronounced: in August, there was almost no interest, while from October, production increased by about 70 percent. Until the end of the season, no significant growth in exports is expected, which may remain at the level of 2023.
Producers note that the market structure is changing – while a decade ago exports reached up to 140,000 tons, today a much larger share is attributed to domestic consumption, which is considered positive for the sector's stability. Alongside this, exports of firewood are also growing, with their value reaching 81.765 million KM, accompanied by minimal imports.
Overall, the growth in exports and domestic consumption is occurring alongside stable supply, but in a market characterized by strong seasonality, which requires rapid production adjustments and inventory management.
