Textile Industry
- One of the most price competitive in Europe
- Quick and flexible delivery and low minimum orders
- Exports reach €200 million, 70% absorbed by the EU market
- Many business opportunities in yarn, fabric and ready–made garment production
- Among the lowest average net monthly salaries in the Serbian economy – €80
The textile industry of Serbia boasts with highly qualified labor, which has its base in the extremely developed educational system that includes education both at secondary and university level. Sewers and technicians are educated in specialized secondary schools, evenly spread throughout the country. Higher levels of education, at specialized university departments, offer post graduate education in related fields.
For many years, the textile industry has been the base for economic and regional development of Serbia. Throughout this time, a tradition of quality manufacturing, competitiveness in prices and controlled expenses, shaped the industry. Serbia has traditionally cooperated with many foreign partners and has been one of the leading garment manufacturers for high selling brands. Fashion industries of France, Italy and Germany intensively used production capacities in the country together with highly qualified and low priced labor. Clients have included Zara, Mango, Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and many more.
The strategic position of Serbia provides quick delivery, while transportation costs are extremely competitive. Hanging transport cost from Serbia to the EU is approximately €0.23 per garment. The true competitiveness of the price can be seen in comparison with other transportation costs: prices range from €1 to €3 per garment for goods from Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova and go as high as € 5 per garment for goods originating from China.
Serbian textile companies can effectively serve as secondary sources of high quality textile for European retailers. They can react quickly to smaller orders with quick turnaround times. The relatively low cost labor force, as well as the strong tradition of textiles in Serbia ensures high quality products at very competitive prices. Furthermore, many business opportunities can be found in yarn and fabric production, together with the ready–made garment production. The industry has large capacities for Cut–Manufacturing–Trim (CMT), with quality and delivery times which can suit even the most demanding clients.
