Montenegro’s customs-related revenue totaled €1.105 billion during the first nine months of 2026, marking a 5% increase year on year. This growth contributes to a stronger public finance environment as the government gears up for increased capital expenditures and potential wage reforms that may incur significant costs.
The Customs Administration reported an increase of €51.74 million compared to the same period in 2025, surpassing its revenue target by approximately €10.66 million.
The primary source of revenue, import VAT, accounted for €725.98 million, reflecting a rise of 5.01% from the previous year. Meanwhile, excise duties contributed €322.38 million, an increase of 4.91%, and customs duties grew by 3.97%, reaching €54.71 million.
In September alone, customs revenue generated €133.97 million, which is around €7.23 million, or 5.71%, more than the same month last year.
The data indicates that Montenegro’s tax base linked to imports remains robust despite slower economic growth across parts of Europe and ongoing concerns regarding household purchasing power.
This revenue performance is crucial for public finances, as VAT and excise taxes constitute a significant portion of the recurring budget income.
An increase in customs collections can help alleviate some fiscal pressures resulting from higher pensions, increased public sector spending, and the government’s expanding infrastructure initiatives.
As Montenegro prepares its 2027 budget, discussions surrounding the proposed Euro Model wage reform could lead to substantial increases in payroll expenses for the public sector and municipal companies.
The revenue figures for the final quarter will be critical in assessing the government’s fiscal capacity for new spending commitments.
The statistics also highlight Montenegro’s reliance on consumption and imports as key sources of state revenue.
This dependency supports budget collections during periods of strong tourism and domestic demand but makes public finances vulnerable to any declines in consumption, imports, or tourist expenditure.
Currently, customs receipts are exceeding both last year’s figures and planned targets, providing the government with a more favorable position as it approaches year-end budget execution and prepares for the 2027 fiscal framework.
