Nearly half of the 378 companies surveyed by the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (PKS) are facing “direct and significant consequences” due to the ongoing political crisis and blockades across the country, according to Politika.
The tourism, retail, and transportation sectors are among the hardest hit, and if the situation continues, almost half of the companies surveyed expect further declines in their business. Companies focused on exports have felt less impact than those catering to the domestic market. Additionally, many businesses report delays in planned investments and missed opportunities in crucial periods for business growth and development.
PKS president Marko Čadež told Politika, “It’s not just large retail chains that are suffering. Small traders and other small businesses are also seeing fewer customers, lower sales, and reduced income. Entrepreneurs across all sectors, from agriculture and food to the creative industries, are experiencing challenges—some minor, some major.”
Čadež also noted rising signs of insolvency and difficulties with collecting mutual claims, a problem not even encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, nearly two-thirds of respondents from the livestock production and related processing industries reported negative impacts from the ongoing political crisis. These include a decline in export revenue, reduced turnover, transport delays, and slower communication with institutions. A similar percentage of textile companies also reported business setbacks due to the crisis.
Despite the challenges, 74% of those surveyed believe that the situation will improve quickly, and they remain optimistic about achieving their investment goals for the year. However, investments in infrastructure, equipment, and transportation are most delayed in sectors like tourism (56%), transportation (28%), and construction.
The companies surveyed, which employ a total of 111,400 people, generate 1.8 billion dinars in revenue according to the latest available data.
