Serbia’s economic ties with China have grown significantly in recent years, underscored by substantial foreign direct investments (FDI) amounting to 5.54 billion euros. Notably, nearly all of these investments have materialized since 2016. Data from the National Bank of Serbia reveals that between 2010 and 2023, China’s total direct investments in Serbia reached the aforementioned figure.
Since 2016, Chinese investments have experienced a notable acceleration, with approximately 96% of the total investment, totaling 5.3 billion euros, occurring within this period. China consistently ranks among the top five investors in Serbia each year. The sectoral breakdown of these investments indicates a significant influx into manufacturing, particularly in car parts and base metals production, as well as mining, construction, and the financial sector.
Previously primarily an importer of Chinese goods, Serbia has transitioned into an exporter, not only to China but also to other nations, thanks to these investments.
In terms of trade, data from the Republic Institute of Statistics for January to December 2023 reveals a total bilateral trade volume of 6.09 billion dollars between Serbia and China. Serbia exported goods worth 1.23 billion dollars to China during this period, while imports amounted to 4.86 billion dollars. Notably, the leading Serbian exports to China included copper ores and concentrates, accounting for 68% of total exports, followed by cathodes and sections of refined copper at 24%. Meanwhile, unclassified goods and smartphones were among the primary imports from China.
Out of a total of 474,314 registered business entities in Serbia, 3,346 are listed in the Register of Business Entities with Chinese natural and legal persons among their founders or shareholders. Specifically, there are 1,614 active companies with 2,327 Chinese individuals and entities as founders or shareholders, as well as 1,732 registered entrepreneurs with personal documents issued in the People’s Republic of China.
