After Croatia closed the Bajakovo border crossing to cargo traffic, Serbia launched countermeasures blocking the entry of Croatian commodities early Thursday morning amid a growing dispute over migrants., This prompted Croatia to expand the ban to all traffic.
The Podravka food company said that the latest developments were not good for both countries. It is difficult to estimate possible damage as the sanctions have just taken effect, but we hope that agreement would be reached soon to avert possible negative consequences, it said in a statement.
Kras, a leading Croatian confectionery company, said that the Serbian ban on imports from Croatia would cause the company to lose several millions. It noted that the Bajakovo border crossing was on the route for Kras exports not only to Serbia but also to Macedonia, Kosovo and Greece.
The biggest Croatian private food group Agrokor said that its companies had already suffered losses due to the blockade.
Atlantic Grupa said that its companies had not yet felt significant consequences. This is a delicate political situation amid the biggest refugee crisis hitting Europe, and policies must not be given priority over humanity, Atlantic Grupa said.
The associations of hauliers and exporters are urging a fast solution. The hauliers say they are aware of extraordinary circumstances, but warn that "huge costs and losses may hit the Croatian economy, and there is still room for reorganisation".
The Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Employers joined in warnings about huge economic damage stemming from the blockade.