SCC: Serbian exports to Kosovo 30% lower after ban lifted compared to pre-ban period

In October last year, the Government of Kosovo partially lifted the ban on Serbian imports, allowing entry only through a single crossing, Merdare. According to data obtained by Kosovo Online from the Center for Regional Cooperation of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC), total Serbian exports to Kosovo from October 2024 to early February 2025 were 30.2% lower compared to the same period in 2022–2023, before the ban was imposed.

"The total exports of Serbian goods from October 2024 to early February 2025 amounted to €104 million, which is €45 million less than the €149 million recorded in the same period of 2022–2023, before the ban was introduced—a decrease of 30.2%," the Center for Regional Cooperation of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce reported.

When comparing the months before the ban was implemented with those after it was lifted, exports dropped by an average of €11.25 million per month.

"In October 2022, exports amounted to €42.9 million, while in October 2024, they were lower at €27.9 million. In November 2022, exports reached €39.3 million, compared to €26.8 million in 2024. The difference was smaller in December, with €35.8 million in 2022 versus €26.6 million in 2024. In January 2023, the value of exported goods to the Kosovo market was €31 million, whereas in 2025, it stood at €22.6 million," SCC reported.

Due to the slow processing and occasional halts in operations at Kosovo's customs checkpoint in Merdare, which has Green Corridor status, SCC  stated that shipments are being processed at a significantly lower capacity than usual. At the same time, there are no indications that other border crossings will be opened for cargo transport.

"The number of trucks passing through Merdare daily ranges from 90 to 120, leading to significant congestion with queues several kilometers long, involving more than 150 trucks. By comparison, under normal conditions, Kosovo’s customs at Merdare used to process around 250 trucks per day, while the checkpoint's capacity was increased to 400 trucks after infrastructure improvements funded by the European Union. These bottlenecks further complicate logistics for transporters from Serbia, Kosovo, and the region, who face delays of up to four days. The long waits and poor conditions discourage transporters from accepting shipments to Kosovo, as they could otherwise be making more trips to other markets," SCC noted.

They also recalled that since July 8, 2023, when the ban was relaxed for raw materials, semi-finished products, mineral fertilizers, animal feed, machinery, and equipment, these goods could pass through all border crossings. However, the situation has worsened now, as all goods loaded in Serbia, even those in transit, must go through Merdare under the justification of security threats. They emphasized that Merdare has the capacity for greater traffic flow and monitoring, and that such issues did not exist before the embargo was introduced.

The import ban on Serbian goods was imposed on June 14, 2023. On October 7, 2024, the Government of Kosovo lifted the restriction only for the Merdare crossing, where controls were intensified, while other crossings remained closed to Serbian goods until scanners were procured, according to official statements.