According to Serbian Economist, Serbia has extended tariff quotas on imports of cement and certain types of steel products through the end of 2026. Once the established import volumes are exhausted, additional duties of 50% will be imposed.
The restrictions were originally introduced from January 1 through June 30, 2026, based on a government decree aimed at protecting industries of strategic importance to Serbia’s economy. However, the measure’s validity has been extended through December 31, with a simultaneous revision of some quotas and the list of commodity codes.
The quotas apply to Portland cement, hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, rebar, hot-rolled wire rod, and certain other iron and steel products.
Quotas have also been established for certain categories of nails and wire, welded pipes, reinforcing mesh, and lattice structures. Goods that are not produced in Serbia have, in certain cases, been exempted from the restrictions.
The additional duty is added to the standard customs rate. For example, if the standard duty is 10%, once the quota is exhausted, the total burden on the importer can reach 60%.
In the first phase, the total quota volume was 421,1 thousand metric tons. Of this, 250,35 thousand metric tons were allocated to cement, 44,7 thousand metric tons to hot-rolled steel, and approximately 7,2 thousand metric tons to cold-rolled products.
Another 67,85 thousand metric tons consisted of quotas for rebar and wire rod in coils, and 51 thousand metric tons—for rebar in bars.
The quotas are allocated among countries based on their share of shipments to the Serbian market in 2020–2024. The largest volumes are allocated to the European Union, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Albania.
Ukraine also received a separate country quota; in previous years, it supplied Serbia with rolled steel, rebar, wire, and other iron and steel products.
For hot-rolled steel, the total quarterly quota is approximately 22,000 metric tons. Products of Ukrainian origin account for just over 1,000 metric tons per quarter.
An additional 600 metric tons per quarter is allocated for shipments of rebar and hot-rolled wire rod in coils from Ukraine. Once these volumes are exhausted, the relevant products may be subject to an additional 50% duty.
In 2024, Serbia imported $23.15 million worth of iron and steel from Ukraine, as well as an additional $9.55 million worth of finished iron and steel products.
However, not all Ukrainian exports are subject to the new restrictions. The application of quotas depends on the specific customs code of the product.
For Ukrainian metallurgical and metalworking enterprises, Serbia’s decision means that small, regular shipments will be eligible for preferential terms only within the established quotas.
Larger shipments or goods cleared after the quota has been exhausted may become uncompetitive due to a sharp increase in customs costs.
The Serbian government explains the restrictions as necessary to preserve domestic cement and steel production, support traditional trade flows, and ensure the stability of the domestic market.
Additional factors include the tightening of European protective measures against steel imports and the rising costs Serbian companies face for energy and compliance with environmental requirements.
For Serbian manufacturers, the decision may provide additional protection against foreign competition. At the same time, the quotas pose a risk of rising raw material costs for construction companies, manufacturers of metal structures, pipes, wire mesh, and other businesses that rely on imported rolled steel and wire.
https://t.me/relocationrs/3280
