In 2023, both imports and exports fell compared to 2022.
Tomislav Krasnec, a correspondent for Večernji list from Brussels, hosted in the Večernji list TV studio on May 17, representatives of the five most popular political parties in Croatia: Karlo Ressler (HDZ), Predrag Fred Matić (SDP), Božo Petrov (Most), Stephen Nikola Bartulica (Domovinski pokret), and Gordan Bosanac (Možemo!). The representatives discussed possible future coalitions in the parliament, the topics they would advocate for if they won a mandate, and further EU enlargement.
Most’s representative Božo Petrov replied to HDZ’s Karlo Ressler: “Last year, 28 billion euros of imports entered Croatia, and about 15 billion euros worth of products were exported. And the special thing is that imports have been rising in the last year compared to the previous year, and exports are falling.” (Source: Večernji tv: debate, 43:12 minutes)
We investigated the statement and it is INCORRECT.
Both imports and exports fell in 2023 compared to 2022. Furthermore, the amounts mentioned are not accurate.
Total exports of the Republic of Croatia from January to December 2023, according to preliminary results, amounted to 22.8 billion euros, while imports amounted to 39.4 billion euros. The trade deficit was 16.5 billion euros. Total exports in 2022 amounted to 24.1 billion euros, and imports to 48.9 billion euros.
