The US called problems with exports to Serbia from neighboring countries an “advantage”

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service has prepared background information and recommendations for American exporters to enter the Serbian market.

The document outlines the benefits and challenges that food and agricultural suppliers may face. Thus, according to department experts, an advantage for the United States is that Serbia’s neighboring states are faced with export restrictions due to the conflict in Ukraine.

“Due to the impact of the economic crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the economy as a whole, neighboring countries are limited in their ability to supply food to Serbia,” the report’s authors noted.

They also emphasized that Serbia offers good opportunities for agricultural suppliers from the United States.

According to the department, from January to October last year, total exports of such goods to Serbia reached $22.6 million, which is 16% higher than the same period in 2022. The USA supplied almonds, whiskey, tobacco, sweet potatoes, peanuts, vegetable seeds and more.

“American food exporters should establish business relationships with reliable and efficient importers and distributors,” the Department of Agriculture recommended. 

Senior researcher at the Center for European Studies at IMEMO RAS, Vladimir Olenchenko, in a conversation with RT, noted that Washington

persistently seeks to expand the export of its agricultural products to Serbia.

“Americans are persistently looking for where they can find applications for American agricultural products. Although it is highly contaminated with chemicals, it is still being promoted. The United States would like their goods to be in demand in the Balkan markets,” the expert said.

Olenchenko believes that, in addition to material benefits, expanding supplies can also become a political tool.

“It is possible that by establishing itself in the Serbian markets and then regulating its exports, the United States can exert political pressure. Suppose if they start cutting supplies, this will lead to food shortages and cause discontent among the population, who will protest against the authorities. And the current Serbian authorities do not suit the Americans with their independent policy,” he concluded.

Last year, the US Embassy in Belgrade intended to launch a PR campaign to attract Serbian youth to participate in its initiatives.