Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unmanufactured tobacco in Serbia showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023. Starting at 20 624 t, it surged to 27 990 t in 2019, then fluctuated within a range before peaking at 26 538 t in 2021. A sharp decline followed in 2022, bringing the market volume down to 23 219 t, though it rebounded strongly to 27 114 t the following year.

The market contraction in 2022 was primarily linked to a significant rise in exports, which reached 8 476 t. This was driven by the entry of a new export-oriented producer, Tabak Coop, which expanded processing capacity. Concurrently, major cigarette manufacturers like Philip Morris reported increased production and export of finished tobacco products during the period, which elevated demand for Serbian unmanufactured tobacco for outbound shipment.

Throughout the period, the underlying consumer base evolved, with a noted increase in the use of alternative products such as heated tobacco devices and hookah. This shift in consumption patterns represented a structural change in demand, though the overall market for raw tobacco ultimately recovered its volume by 2023.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

World map of production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

Serbia's production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 924 tons, which represents an 11.7% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 24.4%, translating to an average annual increase of 7.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 169 tons, with the largest decline that year at 0.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Serbia's production value of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 36 964 thousand US dollars, showing a strong increase of 22.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 42.2%, averaging 12.5% per year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 24 651 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Serbia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

Serbia's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 5 731 tons, which is 1.7% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 26.7%, with an average annual decline of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Italy were the main destinations for Serbia's exports in kind. Belgium accounted for 44.6% of exports, Bulgaria for 21.6%, and Italy for 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 79.3% 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, M $ US

After two years of decline, Serbia's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms increased in 2020. The export volume reached 23.7 million US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 8.1% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 16.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 22.0 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Italy remained the key partners for Serbia's exports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 55.2% of exports, Bulgaria for 17.1%, and Italy for 14.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 86.4% 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 unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Serbia's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in kind fell in 2020. The country imported 22 000 tons, which is 11.9% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest import level was in 2018 at 19 961 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 25 830 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 18.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 29.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United States, and China were the main sources for Serbia's imports in kind. Belgium accounted for 39.7% of imports, the United States for 7.0%, and China for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 52.7% 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, M $ US

Serbia's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms decreased in 2020. The country imported 101.6 million US dollars, which is 15.6% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 13.1%, with an average annual decline of 4.6%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 90.9 million US dollars, and the highest was in 2019 at 120.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 22.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United States, and Brazil were the key directions for Serbia's imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 38.4% of imports, the United States for 8.0%, and Brazil for 5.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 52.3% 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