According to preliminary data from Monstat, Montenegro’s foreign trade for the first half of the year reached 2.22 billion euros, representing a 0.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

MONSTAT reported that exports totaled 287.9 million euros, a decrease of 24.5 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. Imports rose by 5.9 percent, totaling 1.93 billion euros.

“The ratio of imports covered by exports was 14.9 percent, a decline from 20.9 percent in the previous year,” the statement noted.

The export composition is predominantly made up of mineral fuels and lubricants, amounting to 61.9 million euros, which includes 50 million euros from electricity and other sources.

In terms of imports, machines and transport devices represent the largest share at 493.1 million euros, including road vehicles valued at 192 million euros and other items.

The top foreign trade partners for exports were Serbia at 86.3 million euros, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina at 18.6 million euros, and Switzerland at 16.9 million euros.

For imports, the leading partners were Serbia with 324.8 million euros, China at 229.1 million euros, and Germany at 199.5 million euros.

The most significant trade occurred with the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and the European Union (EU).