Aubergines market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume of fresh or chilled aubergines in Serbia increased from 2 402 t to 2 880 t. This growth was supported by the implementation of food safety regulations, which allowed traditional methods for fruit and vegetable production to remain on the market while complying with hygiene standards, as well as the Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy 2014-2024, providing budget support to producers. In 2021, harmonization of legislation with EU rules, including the new Law on Regulation of the Agriculture Products Market, facilitated import procedures and labeling, contributing to further market expansion.

After a decline to 2 683 t in 2022, the market recovered to 3 019 t in 2023. The signing of a Free Trade Agreement with China in 2023 improved market access prospects for Serbian agricultural products, which could have stimulated imports and overall market volume. Simultaneously, the enhancement of market inspection by the Ministry of Trade increased oversight of product quality and safety.

Throughout the period, aubergine production remained stable at around 2 050 t per year, while fluctuations in imports, which rose from 469 t in 2018 to 974 t in 2023, primarily determined market volume dynamics. In 2024, imports reached 1 003 t, supported by improved consumer purchasing power due to easing inflation and the growth of online retail accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Production aubergines in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In 2019, Serbia's aubergine production reached its peak at 2 054 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, production remained stable at 2 049 tonnes, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production grew by 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Serbia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports aubergines from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

Serbia's aubergine export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports dropped to their lowest point at 23.4 tonnes, representing an 80.7% decline from the previous year. The situation improved dramatically in 2020, with exports surging to 100.0 tonnes - a 327.2% increase compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2017, creating a 5.8-fold difference between the peak year and the lowest point in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Serbia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia's aubergine exports were primarily directed to three key markets: Romania accounted for 37.6% of exports in kind, Bosnia and Herzegovina represented 27.1%, and Croatia made up 10.3%. Together, these three countries received 75.0% of Serbia's total aubergine exports during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Serbia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Serbia's aubergine exports experienced considerable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, export value reached its lowest point at 11 000 US dollars, marking a 72.6% decrease from the previous year. The situation reversed in 2020, with export value climbing to 43 000 US dollars - a 305.2% increase compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2017, creating a 6-fold gap between the peak year and the lowest point in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Serbia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Romania consistently led Serbia's aubergine export markets in value terms, accounting for 32.3% of total export value. Bosnia and Herzegovina followed with 21.7%, while Russia represented 14.8% of export value. These three markets together comprised 68.8% of Serbia's total aubergine export value during this four-year period.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Serbia in value, 2017-2020

Imports aubergines to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Serbia's aubergine imports have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 822.4 tonnes, representing a 14.6% increase from 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 77.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Serbia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three countries dominated Serbia's aubergine imports in kind: Spain, Greece, and Italy. Together, these markets supplied 71.9% of all aubergines imported by Serbia during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Serbia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Serbia's spending on aubergine imports has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 1 129 000 US dollars, showing a substantial 50.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 178%, with an average annual growth rate of 40.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Serbia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was Serbia's main supplier of aubergines in value terms, accounting for 33.3% of total import value. Italy followed with 19.3%, while Greece represented 18.8% of import value. These three suppliers together provided 71.4% of Serbia's total aubergine import value during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Serbia in value, 2017-2020