Trade in Slovenia

Slovenia's economy is highly dependent on international trade. The ratio of merchandise trade (imports and exports) to GDP is one of the highest in the region.

Exports and imports as a % of GDP, 2007

In the early 1990s Slovenia, faced with the loss of Yugoslav markets and the breakdown of transport and communications to south-eastern Europe, reoriented trade towards the EU and associated countries; these now account for over two thirds of Slovenia's trade. Pre-transition trade links have not disappeared, however; by 2000, the decline of trade with countries of the former Yugoslavia and Russia had been halted.

Main trading partners, 2008 (% of total)

The product composition of merchandise trade, still dominated by semi-finished and intermediate manufacturing goods, is shifting gradually. The shares of textiles, clothing and steel in merchandise exports are declining slightly, while those of automotive products, electronics and pharmaceuticals are increasing.

Main trading products, 2008 (% of total)

Exports as percent of imports, 2005-2008

In recent years the structure of Slovenian commodity exports has shifted in favour of products that use technology and human resources most intensively.

Current account balance, 2004-2011, in % of GDP