Serbia’s mining exports increased sharply in the first half of 2026, even as overall domestic mining production recorded a marginal decline.
Metal ores drive export growth
Mining exports rose 34.7% to €1.3 billion in January-June, increasing mining’s share of Serbia’s total exports to 7.2%, compared with 5.8% a year earlier. Metal ores represented 96.8% of mining exports, with their export value increasing 33.2% during the period. The stronger trade performance came despite a 0.6% decline in total mining production. Within the sector, metal-ore extraction increased 2.9%, while coal production fell 4.9% and output from other mining activities decreased 5.9%.
Mining imports decline
Mining imports moved in the opposite direction, falling 8.7% to €1.6 billion during the first half. Crude oil and natural gas accounted for 83.1% of mining imports, with their import value declining 5.2% over the period.
