Data from the National Bank of Serbia indicates that Serbian citizens spent over 540 million euros on online shopping in the last three months, reflecting a remarkable 30% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in e-commerce has prompted JP Posta Serbia to plan a significant expansion of its parcel machine network.
E-commerce growth in Serbia
According to the NBS, Serbian consumers completed 19.2 million transactions in this period, marking a 36.1% growth year-over-year. The total transaction value was approximately 36.3 billion dinars (309 million euros), with foreign currency spending accounting for 184.7 million euros and 55 million dollars. The growth is further underscored by the presence of over 4,000 online stores in the market. To support this expanding sector, JP Posta Serbia is set to double its parcel machines from 500 to 1,000, enhancing delivery efficiency.
Aliexpress’s expansion plans
Founded in 2010 as part of the Alibaba Group, Aliexpress has achieved remarkable success and has become a popular platform in Serbia. Recent reports suggest that Aliexpress plans to open a warehouse in Serbia, which could significantly reduce delivery times and enable local businesses to sell on the platform, enhancing their global presence.
The rise of Temu
Since its arrival in Serbia in May, the Chinese platform Temu has quickly gained traction, presenting itself as a strong competitor to Aliexpress. Temu offers features such as combined shipping for multiple items, standard delivery within two to three weeks, and a 90-day return policy. Their aggressive marketing strategies have made them a hot topic in the market.
Future expectations
Currently, Alibaba’s stock is valued at $90.09, its highest in the past year. Despite facing challenges like a slowing Chinese economy and increased competition, analysts see potential for growth, particularly in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the upcoming 11.11 global sale is expected to boost profitability and share prices.
With the anticipated entry of another Chinese platform, Shein, known for its affordable clothing appealing to Generation Z, the Serbian e-commerce landscape is poised for further transformation.
