The MEPS 2026 conference in Belgrade highlighted international e-commerce and technology services as additional routes for Serbian companies to grow exports alongside traditional manufacturing. The options differ in how firms reach foreign customers, generate revenue and manage risk, and require separate assessments.
Software companies can deliver work remotely under business-to-business contracts. Online retailers selling physical goods must handle product standards, customs, transport costs and returns. The scale of digital services and e-commerce may be considerable, but the activities have different revenue models and risk profiles.
Serbia’s goods exports grew 8.9% to EUR 26.89 billion in January-September. The Chamber said services exports increased by about 7%. These broader figures provide context but do not measure the contribution of online sales or technology services, which require dedicated trade and industry data.
Smaller companies selling abroad may face difficulties collecting payments from foreign customers, meeting consumer-protection and data rules, calculating delivery charges and processing cross-border refunds. Firms providing professional or technical services may need enforceable contracts, cybersecurity, qualified personnel and pricing that accounts for currency exposure.
Digital channels can reduce reliance on a single distributor or country, but that flexibility is not automatic. Search advertising, platform commissions, fulfilment services and local-language support can erode margins. More orders may not produce higher profits if customer-acquisition and logistics costs outweigh the revenue.
A proposed development strategy links digital sales capability with export finance, trusted payment systems, compliance advice and targeted support for entering foreign markets. Serbian companies with repeatable products and services could use those tools to broaden foreign income without relying solely on major overseas investors. The stated priority is sustainable recurring revenue, rather than simply increasing online traffic or listing products on more platforms.
