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The twenty imports Croatia is best placed to replace.

Croatia imported USD 33bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 18bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 2.1bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
30products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1122products Croatia already exports well
3,391public purchases of goods joined to a product family, from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU)
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

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

This edition carries public buyers from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 8,453 award notices from 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, joined to each product's customs heading through a crosswalk we authored. The buyers are shown as context and do not change the score, because award values in these records include framework ceilings and outliers that would distort it. The regional layer (where the capability sits) is built only where a country publishes regional trade by product, and Croatia does not publish it in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromItaly 69%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 93m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Italy supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 93mdown 25% on 2022
  2. 2

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity...HS 870332

    Comes fromGermany 40%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat... (exports USD 98m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 35m; 10 more lines in the heading, USD 1.5bn
    Public buyers in the family135 awards from 45 buyers. Most frequent: Grad Zagreb

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 660m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Germany supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 660mup 41% on 2022
  3. 3

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721310

    Comes fromItaly 82%, 7 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 34m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 49m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Italy supplies 82 per cent (2).

    USD 49mdown 14% on 2022
  4. 4

    Cement, concrete or artificial stone: prefabricated structural components for building or civil engineering, whether...HS 681091

    Comes fromBosnia and Herzegovina 82%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Public buyers in the family53 awards from 13 buyers. Most frequent: Grad Zagreb

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 42m, top 24 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); Bosnia and Herzegovina supplies 82 per cent (2).

    USD 42mup 16% on 2022
  5. 5

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

    Comes fromSlovenia 27%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 24m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 79m
    Public buyers in the family115 awards from 12 buyers. Most frequent: Grad Zagreb

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 188m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 188mup 37% on 2022
  6. 6

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

    Comes fromGermany 20%, 68 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 54m
    Public buyers in the family92 awards from 11 buyers. Most frequent: Središnji državni ured za središnju javnu nabavu

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 156m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 156mup 13% on 2022
  7. 7

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

    Comes fromGermany 25%, 78 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or... (exports USD 32m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 36m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 33m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 143m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1).

    USD 143mup 25% on 2022
  8. 8

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

    Comes fromHungary 23%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: of swine, meat or meat offal (including... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 125m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 125mup 33% on 2022
  9. 9

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromPoland 26%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Public buyers in the family47 awards from 4 buyers. Most frequent: Središnji državni ured za središnju javnu nabavu

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 89m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1).

    USD 89mup 22% on 2022
  10. 10

    Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 611020

    Comes fromGermany 21%, 64 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or... (exports USD 32m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 20m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 60m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 86m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1).

    USD 86mup 31% on 2022
  11. 11

    Aluminium: alloys, bars, rods and profiles, other than hollowHS 760429

    Comes fromBosnia and Herzegovina 17%, 35 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: alloys, hollow profiles (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 12m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 69m, top 13 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2).

    USD 69mup 1% on 2022
  12. 12

    Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), welded, of square or rectangular...HS 730661

    Comes fromItaly 24%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 19m
    Public buyers in the family38 awards from 10 buyers. Most frequent: ZAPREŠIĆ, d.o.o.

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 54m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2).

    USD 54mdown 12% on 2022
  13. 13

    Meters: electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereofHS 902830

    Comes fromSlovenia 95%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRegulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic type... (exports USD 60m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Public buyers in the family8 awards from 3 buyers. Most frequent: HEP-Proizvodnja d.o.o.

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 34m, top 32 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Slovenia supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 34mup 100% on 2022
  14. 14

    Food preparations: pasta, uncooked (excluding that containing eggs), not stuffed or otherwise preparedHS 190219

    Comes fromItaly 69%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise... (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 26m, top 41 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Italy supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 26mup 16% on 2022
  15. 15

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width less than 600mm, plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721230

    Comes fromItaly 65%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: structures and parts thereof, bridges and... (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 147k
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 48 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Italy supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 23mdown 16% on 2022
  16. 16

    Buildings: prefabricated, of woodHS 940610

    Comes fromSlovenia 64%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 656k
    Public buyers in the family9 awards from 4 buyers. Most frequent: HEP d.d.

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 18m, top 62 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); Slovenia supplies 64 per cent (2).

    USD 18mup 130% on 2022
  17. 17

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

    Comes fromGermany 25%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 22m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 69m, top 13 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1).

    USD 69mup 31% on 2022
  18. 18

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

    Comes fromGermany 35%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 62m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1).

    USD 62mup 71% on 2022
  19. 19

    Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type)HS 871639

    Comes fromGermany 38%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrailers, semi-trailers and other vehicles not mechanically... (exports USD 23m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 60m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1).

    USD 60mup 16% on 2022
  20. 20

    Coats: women's or girls', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes, cloaks anoraks (including ski-jackets) and similar...HS 620240

    Comes fromGermany 23%, 46 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSwimwear: men's or boys', (not knitted or crocheted) (exports USD 10m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 54m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Croatia's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 54mup 35% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Croatia 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.

  • Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no.... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 697m, top source Slovenia 28%
  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 469m, exports USD 303m, top source Hungary 33%
  • Air conditioning machines: comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for... imports USD 168m, exports USD 32m, top source China 78%
  • Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not... imports USD 229m, exports USD 111m, top source Italy 16%
  • Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating... imports USD 162m, exports USD 50m, top source Hungary 38%
  • Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of... imports USD 186m, exports USD 75m, top source France 27%
  • Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding imports USD 169m, exports USD 58m, top source Italy 30%
  • Iron or steel wire: grill, netting and fencing, welded at intersections, of... imports USD 115m, exports USD 12m, top source Bosnia and Herzegovina 50%
  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 142m, exports USD 49m, top source France 23%
  • Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 imports USD 233m, exports USD 143m, top source Germany 18%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 658 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.

Public buyers, context only, never scored: 8,453 award notices from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, of which 4,608 were classified by the buyer as goods and 3,391 joined to a product family through a crosswalk we authored, because no official one exists. Only notices whose code names a specific product group are joined; broad division codes are left out. The join is a family, not an exact line, and the counts are a floor.

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 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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