Overview
There is a longstanding tradition of metal processing in BiH due to the country’s abundance in natural resources such as iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, and copper. The metal sector is a significant export driver with a robust production growth rate of over ten percent in the past few years. The main export products of the metal sector include aluminum, steel, and automotive industry components. BiH’s metal sector exports are primarily oriented toward the EU and Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) markets.
Leading Sub-Sectors
- Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen, and other residues of petroleum
- Stone coal
- Sodium hydroxide
Opportunities
The existing structure of the metal sector, characterized by small companies, provides an opportunity for larger companies to integrate existing primary producers and further develop their business operations. The price of labor in the metal processing industry in BiH is competitive when compared with global market labor costs. Besides materials for industrial processing, small private companies also buy modern computerized equipment and strive to stay updated with current technologies. Many factories are engaged in semi-processing of components for foreign companies based in the EU and neighboring countries.
Top metal processing companies in BiH that present the best sales prospects for U.S. suppliers include Arcelor Mittal Zenica, TMD AI Gradačac, MLM Alutec Bugojno, Bekto-Precisa, FEAL, Aluminij Mostar, Tvornica Glinice Birač Zvornik, and Jelšingrad Livnica Čelika Banja Luka. Procurement notices can be found on the companies’ websites and the best way to access these opportunities is via some form of local presence, either direct or through agents and distributors.