Farmers Demand Tariffs on Cheap Dairy Imports

Dairy farmers in Serbia have warned that cheap imports of milk and cheese are threatening the survival of domestic producers, calling for the government to introduce import tariffs and other protective measures to stabilise the sector. Farmers argue that large quantities of low-priced dairy products from the European Union and neighbouring Western Balkan countries are entering the Serbian market and being sold at prices far below what local producers can sustain.

The situation has intensified farmer protests across the country, with thousands of farmers blocking roads at 42 locations to demand stronger protection for domestic agriculture and higher subsidies. Agriculture plays a significant role in the national economy, contributing about 6.1% to Serbia’s GDP and employing roughly 20% of the workforce, making the crisis particularly serious for rural livelihoods.

Experts say the influx of cheaper imports has pushed farm-gate milk prices down while production costs continue to rise, leaving many small dairy farms struggling to remain viable. Farmers and industry groups argue that temporary tariffs, import quotas or other trade restrictions may be the only way to prevent further collapse of local milk production and protect the country’s dairy sector.

Source: Dairynews7x7 9th March, 2026 Read full story here

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