Cabbages market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The cabbage market in Serbia contracted significantly from 210.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 180.3 thousand tons in 2019. This decline followed intense outbreaks of pests such as the second-generation cabbage root fly (Delia radicum), cabbage white butterflies, moths, aphids, and flea beetles, which damaged roots and heads, reducing harvest yields. Official recommendations for using approved fungicides and insecticides highlight ongoing efforts to manage these crop threats.

Market volume showed some recovery, rising to 182.3 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 194.8 thousand tons in 2021. However, this growth was reversed by 2022 when the market size fell to 173.0 thousand tons. The volatility during this period reflects the sector's sensitivity to growing conditions and agricultural challenges.

By 2023, the market shrank again to 163.5 thousand tons, pressured by continued pest pressures including cabbage moths, flies, and aphids, necessitating regular crop protection. In 2024, producers faced heightened production costs due to drought, expensive seeds, and the need for additional irrigation, leading to higher market prices and shifting consumer behavior towards ready-made sauerkraut.

Production cabbages in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Serbia's cabbage production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, the country produced 179.4 thousand tonnes of cabbages, a slight increase of 0.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 31.7%, with an average annual decline of 11.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 178.3 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 20.3% decrease.

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

Exports cabbages from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Serbia's cabbage exports totaled 3,883 tonnes, marking a significant 15.8% decline from the previous year. The peak value was 6,700 tonnes in 2018. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 31.1%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 with 76.7% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia's cabbage exports were distributed across multiple markets rather than concentrated on a few key destinations. Romania accounted for 16.6% of exports, Slovenia for 14.6%, and Croatia for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 43.0% of total export flows.

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

After two years of growth, Serbia's cabbage exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,032 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 37.8% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.8%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,658 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with 26.5% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia's cabbage exports in value terms were spread across numerous markets. Slovenia represented 17.9% of exports, Romania 13.5%, and Croatia 11.9%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 43.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cabbages to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Serbia's cabbage imports increased after two years of decline. In 2020, imports totaled 6,835 tonnes, showing a modest 3.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 22.4%, with an average annual decrease of 8.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6,639 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred that same year with a 13.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia remained the dominant source for Serbia's cabbage imports, accounting for 74.3% of total import flows. The remaining imports were fragmented across various other markets.

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

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Serbia's cabbage imports totaled 2,967 thousand US dollars, down 32.7% from the previous year. The peak value was 4,405 thousand US dollars in 2019, while the largest increase occurred that same year with 80.3% growth.

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

During 2017-2020, North Macedonia stood out as the main source for Serbia's cabbage imports in value terms, accounting for 55.8% of total flows. Italy followed with 15.3%, and Albania with 14.8%. Together, these three countries represented 85.9% of total import flows.

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

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