Includes web links to local trade fair or show authorities and local newspapers, trade publications, radio/TV/cable information.
Last Published: 2/26/2018

Aggressive product promotion and advertising are effective tools in Serbia, especially for consumer goods, where brand image is important and U.S. products face fierce competition from both local and European sellers. Television and radio advertising are the most effective.  Television, which reaches 90 percent of households, has the broadest reach of all media.  Serbia has two state-owned and three private TV channels with national coverage (RTS, Pink, Prva, Happy TV, RTV).  There are five regional channels.  Serbian law restricts advertising on state television to six minutes per hour.  Advertising on privately-owned (regional and local) television stations cannot exceed 20 percent of total program length. The most advertised products are telecommunications, vehicles, financial institutions, beverages, newspapers, and hygiene products.  Serbian law prohibits the advertisement of tobacco and alcohol on television. Digital printing and commercial graphics are widely used in Serbia, including billboards that cover entire building facades.

Trade promotion events and fairs continue to be popular in Serbia, although they lack the level of sophistication that many U.S. exhibitors have become accustomed to in other markets. The Belgrade Fair maintains its tradition of organizing industry-focused or specialty exhibitions such as automotive, construction equipment, furniture, fashion, medical, pharmaceutical, books, tourism, etc.  Although small, the Belgrade Fair attracts international attention and includes numerous foreign exhibitors. For more information on these events, please contact: info@sajam.rs. In addition, Novi Sad Fair organizes the biggest agriculture trade show in Serbia.

There are many domestic advertising agencies, but most are small and lack the client base required for significant media buying discounts.  Some local advertising agencies have links to U.S. advertisers.  The vast majority of the international agencies are in partnership with domestic agencies.

There are more than 10,000 billboards in Serbia.  Prices vary depending on the location, frequency, and category.  Billboards frequently are used for political and election campaigns and are increasing in popularity in urban areas for consumer related goods and services.

U.S. Commercial Service Serbia provides valuable assistance to U.S. exporters to promote their products through the Single Company Promotion service.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.