Kosovo keeps pace with Albanian exports/ Strong growth also with North Macedonia in the first three months of the year
The first quarter of 2026 has brought a mixed picture for Albania's trade exchanges with countries in the region, with a significant increase in exports to some key partners, while a slight contraction has been recorded in some other markets.
During the period January-March 2026, Albanian exports to Kosovo reached around 9.5 billion lek, marking an annual increase of 13.3%, confirming this market as the most important partner in the region and one of the main pillars of Albanian exports. Strong growth was also recorded towards North Macedonia, where exports expanded by 25%, reaching around 3.2 billion lek, while Montenegro also recorded a more moderate growth of 9.6%.
In contrast, trade with Serbia showed signs of weakening. Exports to this country fell by around 3.8%, reflecting a slowdown in demand in this market. Meanwhile, exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded a more limited increase of 5.6%, remaining at relatively lower levels compared to other regional partners.
Regarding the flow of goods to Albania, imports present a more diverse picture. The strongest increase in imports was recorded by Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an expansion of 32.2%, while imports from Kosovo increased by 11.7%, reflecting the increase in trade exchanges between the two countries.
In contrast, imports from several other regional partners have declined. Albania has purchased fewer goods from Montenegro, where imports fell by 39%, as well as from North Macedonia and Serbia, with decreases of 8.5% and 6.9% respectively, indicating a partial shift in supply sources.
Overall, data for the first quarter show a strengthening of trade ties with several key markets in the region, particularly with Kosovo and North Macedonia, while trade relations with several other partners remain more volatile and affected by fluctuations in demand in the respective markets.
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