Serbia posts trade deficit with Africa

Serbia's trade with African partners has recorded a deficit, the latest statistics show. Compared to the first eight months of last year, the deficit has doubled in 2007. Serbia posts trade deficit with Africa According to the Belgrade Institute for Market Research (IZIT), by the end of August last year the figure stood at USD 11.8mn, while it has now risen to USD 25.7mn. In the first eight months of 2007, Serbia imported USD 62.8mn worth of products from African countries while exports were worth only USD 37.1mn. Along with coffee and cocoa, and other products exclusive to the continent, Serbia also imports gas masks, garlic and clothing, most of which, according to IZIT official Sasa Djogovic, is unnecessary. As for Serbian exports to the continent, they mostly consist of tin, wood and rubber, he added. Serbia would improve its trade balance with Africa if it offered agricultural machinery, automobiles, seed products and the services of construction companies, Djogovic said, adding that China's trade tactics in Africa are "a good example."

Serbia posts trade deficit with Africa

According to the Belgrade Institute for Market Research (IZIT), by the end of August last year the figure stood at USD 11.8mn, while it has now risen to USD 25.7mn.

In the first eight months of 2007, Serbia imported USD 62.8mn worth of products from African countries while exports were worth only USD 37.1mn.

Along with coffee and cocoa, and other products exclusive to the continent, Serbia also imports gas masks, garlic and clothing, most of which, according to IZIT official Saša Đogović, is unnecessary.

As for Serbian exports to the continent, they mostly consist of tin, wood and rubber, he added.

Serbia would improve its trade balance with Africa if it offered agricultural machinery, automobiles, seed products and the services of construction companies, Đogović said, adding that China's trade tactics in Africa are "a good example."