Trade
Cross-border trade flows indicate countries generally seen as competitive for investment and with adequate supply. Vigorous export growth was as crucial to Slovenia’s economic recovery when the country gained independence 25 years ago as it is today when despite modest growth in the euro zone countries – Slovenia’s main trading partners –
no significant adverse impact is expected as the local exporters are building their presence in high-growth emerging markets.Trade between Slovenia and other EU member states is based on free movement of goods. Trade is carried out without customs control, customs duties, quantitative restrictions or any other measures
When trading with non-EU member states Slovenia follows EU's foreign trade policy. Get an overview of foreign trade regime.
The document has been prepared by the Centre for International Cooperation and Development.
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. External trade equals nearly 150% of GDP (exports and imports combined).
Exports and imports as a % of GDP, 2015
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 three-quarter 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 Slovene trading partners, 2015
| Export Markets | EUR million | Import Markets | EUR million |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 4,948 | Germany | 4,423 |
| Italy | 2,694 | Italy | 3,630 |
| Austria | 2,032 | Austria | 2,735 |
| Croatia | 1,871 | Croatia | 1,370 |
| France | 1,182 | Hungary | 1,013 |
| Poland | 817 | France | 843 |
| Russian Federation | 792 | The Netherlands | 822 |
| Serbia | 743 | China | 758 |
| Hungary | 698 | Czech Republic | 629 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 611 | Poland | 624 |
| Czech Republic | 557 | Belgium | 441 |
| United Kingdom | 534 | Spain | 408 |
| TOTAL export | 23,966 | TOTAL import | 23,208 |
Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia; 2016
The product composition of merchandise trade, still dominated by semi-finished and intermediate manufacturing goods, is shifting gradually towards final, consumer goods. The shares of textiles, clothing and steel in merchandise exports are declining slightly, while those of automotive products, electronics and pharmaceuticals are increasing.
Main export trading products, 2014
Top 10 Slovenian exporters in 2014 (exports in EUR 000)
| Company | Total exports | Share of export over total sales | Exports to EU | Exports to the states of former Yugoslavia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krka Group | 1,113,585 | 93% | 616,725 | 51,947 |
| Gorenje Group | 1,063,153 | 85% | 649,951 | 133,648 |
| Lek Group | 982,003 | 96% | 398,503 | 25,690 |
| Revoz d.d. | 837,165 | 99% | 836,901 | 0 |
| SIJ Group | 610,308 | 86% | 486,349 | 19,220 |
| Impol Group | 464,013 | 95% | 410,208 | 10,541 |
| Kolektor Group | 274,657 | 84% | 163,650 | 18,928 |
| BSH Hisni aparati d.o.o. | 245,658 | 91% | 234,755 | 10,903 |
| Julon | 227,777 | 97% | 227,499 | 145 |
| Hidria Group | 220,000 | 89% | 181,000 | 9,000 |
Source: Newspaper Delo, 2015
In recent years the structure of Slovenian commodity exports has shifted in favour of products that use technology and human resources most intensively.
Main import trading products, 2014
Public procurement
About half of the national budget is spent through public procurement procedures. There are over 2,000 contracting authorities in Slovenia. Public procurement procedures follow economical principle and prescribes equal treatment of domestic and foreign bidders.
Please find attached a PDF document with detailed information regarding public procurement.
The document has been prepared by the Centre for International Cooperation and Development.