Last year, Serbia generated €4.2 million through flower exports, with the export of roses accounting for €2.5 million. Along with the south of France, Serbia has the most favorable conditions for rose production in Europe, and this sector generates over €200 billion globally. However, Serbia still has a notable deficit in flower trade compared to the rest of the world. In 2020, the country’s external trade in flowers came at €19.4 million, with exports worth €4.2 million (2.7 tons of flowers) and imports slightly over €15 million (6.7 tons of flowers).
“The area used for rose growing in Serbia is still rather small. According to data from 2012, it was around 200 hectares then. Todays’ estimated figure is around 600 ha,” stated an official from Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, 5% of the exports went to the EU, with the Netherlands as the biggest importer of Serbian flowers. Outside of the EU, the biggest flower export destinations were Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. As for flower imports, Serbia’s biggest partner is, again, the Netherlands, followed by Italy and Slovenia. In order to extend this production, Serbian flower and decorative plant growers need additional incentives, larger plantations and leading-edge technology to better position themselves in the global market and boost the exports.
For more information:
Ministry of agriculture, nature and food quality of the Netherlands
www.government.nl/en