lthough the virtual water trade is still a new concept in the existing literature, its
importance becomes central in defining policies for enhancement of rational use of water. Our
findings reveal that in general due to the significant exports of the agricultural sub-sector,
followed by the food and basic metal products, from the manufacturing group of sectors,
Macedonia is a net exporter of virtual water. As a consequence of such trade pattern, based on
the 2005 input-output framework, a net quantity of 124 million of m3 water exited the
country. At the moment the country is relatively abundant in water, but if such intensive use and trade pattern is practiced over the years, combined with the climate change effect, there
will be significant impact upon the environment and economy