Page 94 - bne IntelliNews Southeastern Europe Outlook 2025
P. 94

     Lidl began its journey in North Macedonia in February 2021, establishing its corporate entity and signalling long-term growth ambitions in the region. The retailer has now confirmed plans to open a flagship store in Skopje, which will serve as a cornerstone of its operations in the capital.
In addition to this, Lidl is investing in the development of a state-of-the-art logistics and distribution centre near Kumanovo. Preparatory activities for this facility commenced in January 2024. The logistics hub is expected to play a critical role in supporting Lidl’s retail operations across North Macedonia.
Local Kam Market has once again emerged as North Macedonia's most preferred supermarket, maintaining its leading position in the country’s retail sector.
The recent survey conducted by Insider ID with over 1,300 active participants, reveals Kam Market’s ongoing popularity, with approximately 72% of consumers choosing the discount chain for their shopping needs.
Kipper has climbed to third place for the first time, sharing the spot with Tinex at a 31% consumer share.
5.8.2 Banks
Fitch recently reported that North Macedonia's banking sector remains strong, with a return on average equity of 19.8% in Q2 2024, a well-capitalised Tier 1 capital ratio of 18.2%, and a low non-performing loan ratio of 3.1%. The sector is also liquid and maintains adequate provisioning levels. Although deposit euroisation remains relatively high at 42.4% as of August 2024, down from its 2022 peak of 46%, it is offset by a comparable share of euro-denominated loans.
Macroprudential measures introduced in 2023 have curbed annual mortgage growth to 10% and moderated house price increases, which had peaked at a 15-year high of 18% in 2022. Additionally, an increase in the counter-cyclical capital buffer has further strengthened the resilience of the banking sector.
Commercial banks' loans in North Macedonia increased by an annual 9.2% to MKD477.8bn (€7.8bn) at the end of October 2024, accelerating from a 7.5% y/y rise in the previous month, central bank data indicated. Month-on-month loans were higher by 1.8% in October vs. 0.4% m/m growth in September.
The annual and monthly growth of total loans stems from increased lending in both household and corporate sectors, particularly in the corporate sector.
The value of green loans in North Macedonia’s commercial banks in the third quarter of 2024 rose by an annual 7.4%, or MKD1.4bn (€22.8mn). Since the end of 2019, when data collection began, green loans which fund environmentally sustainable projects have surged 2.8 times, reaching MKD20.35bn by the end of September 2024.
 94 SE Outlook 2025 www.intellinews.com
 






















































































   92   93   94   95   96