Edible brassicas market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled edible brassicas in Serbia opened the period at 211 000 tonnes in 2018 but contracted sharply to 182 000 tonnes the following year. After stabilizing near 184 000 tonnes in 2020, consumption rebounded to 197 000 tonnes in 2021.

From March 2022, new regulations on food labeling and quality hygiene came into effect, setting stricter requirements for vegetable products including cabbage. This regulatory shift coincided with a drop in domestic output and a market contraction to 176 000 tonnes that year. In 2023, mandatory written contracts for vegetable procurement were introduced under the Law on Organization of the Agricultural Products Market, aiming to formalize trade and shield producers, while production continued its downward trend, leading to a further decline in market volume to 166 000 tonnes.

In 2024, consumer prices for fresh cabbage rose significantly, influencing demand patterns, and seasonal customs duties on certain agricultural imports were applied from January, potentially affecting import flows. Additionally, protective control labels for products with geographical origin, such as Futog sour cabbage, were launched to guarantee recognizability and quality on the market.

Production edible brassicas in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Serbia's edible brassicas production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 179.4 thousand tons, marking a modest 0.6% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 31.7%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 11.9%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 178.3 thousand tons, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, when production declined by 20.3%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

Serbia's exports of edible brassicas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 4 255 tons, down 14.3% compared to the previous year. The peak was in 2018, with 7 101 tons exported. The most significant decrease happened in 2019, at 30.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 69.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia's edible brassicas export structure was diversified, with no single country dominating. Romania accounted for 15.5% of exports in kind, Croatia for 15.3%, and Slovenia for 13.5%. Together, these three countries made up 44.3% 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 edible brassicas exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 215 thousand US dollars, a 32.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 15.2%, averaging an annual decline of 5.3%. The highest value was in 2019, at 1 805 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with an 18.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia, Slovenia, and Russia played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of Serbian edible brassicas in value terms. Croatia accounted for 15.7% of exports, Slovenia for 15.6%, and Russia for 13.7%. Their combined share reached 45.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports edible brassicas to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Serbia's imports of edible brassicas increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, import volume reached 8 829 tons, showing a moderate 3.2% rise compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.1%, with an average annual reduction of 4.2%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 8 557 tons, while the largest decline happened in 2018, at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, Albania, and Italy were the central sources for Serbia's edible brassicas imports in kind. Together, these three markets accounted for 85.8% of total import flows.

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

After two years of growth, Serbia's edible brassicas imports in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 5 874 thousand US dollars, down 13.1% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 85%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.8%. The peak was in 2019, at 6 758 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 57.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, North Macedonia, Italy, and Spain were the primary suppliers of edible brassicas to Serbia in value terms. North Macedonia accounted for 32.7% of imports, Italy for 28.9%, and Spain for 12.4%. Collectively, they made up 74.1% of total import value.

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

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