The surge in online shopping, particularly via AliExpress, has significantly increased shipment volumes both domestically and internationally in recent years. Alongside this growth, however, come numerous challenges, such as extended delivery times from China and occasional issues with shipments getting lost in the lengthy supply chain.
In a recent episode of the podcast “What’s After College,” Dušan Roglić, a seasoned accountant and director of a tax consulting agency, hinted at a potential solution to these issues.
“We have received some groundbreaking news that may surprise many,” Roglić shared. “AliExpress is reportedly planning to establish warehouses here, serving as a hub for Southeast Europe. This move aims to ensure deliveries to Serbia within a maximum of two days.”
Roglić emphasized that this development was a key topic of discussion following the recent visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China.
“The arrival of AliExpress with such efficient logistics could pose a significant challenge to many small businesses. With fast deliveries and competitive pricing, it is likely to become the preferred choice for consumers,” Roglić explained. “This presents a challenge to our economy as well, especially given our free trade agreement with China. Goods produced entirely in Serbia can be exported to China without additional taxes or duties, potentially impacting local production.”
If AliExpress indeed establishes warehouses in Serbia, it is expected to revolutionize the online shopping experience. Instead of the current month-long waiting period for deliveries, customers could receive their orders as swiftly as they would from local stores.
Such a development would likely lead to a surge in online orders not only from Serbia but also from neighboring countries in the region. Additionally, it might reshape the competitive landscape, potentially overshadowing recent entrants like Temu, which have been gaining traction in the Serbian market.
The prospect of AliExpress setting up operations in Serbia underscores the evolving dynamics of global e-commerce and raises significant implications for local businesses, consumers, and economic policies.
