The textile industry is highly dependant on imported materials. Cotton is not produced in Serbia, but it is extensively processed.

The manufacture of cotton yarns in 2003 totaled 1,905 tons and production of cotton fabrics reached 4.3 million m2. These figures are down by 29% and 58% respectively relative to 2002. In 2003 the value of cotton yarn export was 4.6 USD million (i.e. 2% of total Serbian textile and garment exports), compared to the import value of USD 340.3 million (59% of total textile and garment imports to Serbia).

Denim for sportswear manufacturing is mainly imported from Turkey, and partially from Greece, Spain and Italy. Certain clothing manufacturers at the same time act as representatives of certain manufacturers of fabrics (e.g. Tiffany production from Cacak represents Spanish Tavex).

Woolen exports in 2003 were valued at a mere USD 1.9 million in 2003 while imports totaled US$ 6.6 million (1.2% of the total imports of the Serbian textile industry). In the structure of exports woolen, yarns account for 79% of the total value, while fabric totals 64% of the value of woolen imports. The biggest importer of fine Australian wool is Sintelon, the manufacturer of floor coverings from Backa Planka.

Domestically produced wool is a traditional product, but production capacity eroded as the livestock fund, which provided quality raw material, fell into neglect.

There is a high appreciation in Serbia for the role of independent evaluation of quality standards in materials and production. The primary local firm in this business is Jugoinspect, a laboratory with about 300 employees. The firm is a member of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies and has an ISO 9002 certified quality system.

Source: “Textile industry in Serbia” Jefferson Institute www.jeffersoninst.org

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