Sharp decline in exports to Spain/Weakening trade ties with some EU countries
Albanian exports to European Union countries declined in March, while significant increases were recorded towards several regional markets and partners outside the EU, reflecting changes in the orientation of foreign trade.
According to official data, exports to European Union countries fell by 4.7%, reaching 22.7 billion lek, from 23.8 billion lek a year earlier. The decline was mainly driven by a contraction in exports to Italy, the main trading partner, where exports fell by 7%, as well as a sharp decline to Spain by 74.3%, reflecting weakening demand in several key European markets.
In contrast, Albanian exports recorded significant growth towards several other European and regional countries. Exports to Greece increased by 38.3%, while strong growth was also recorded towards Croatia by 80.1%, Germany by 9.4%, as well as towards countries in the region such as Kosovo by 7.2% and North Macedonia by 92.6%, indicating a gradual expansion of alternative markets.
On the other hand, imports have recorded strong growth from several markets outside the European Union. Imports from China increased by 33.3%, reaching 11.4 billion lekë, confirming its growing role as one of the main suppliers to the Albanian economy. Growth was also recorded from Kosovo by 16.1%, while imports from the group of other countries expanded by 37.8%, reflecting a diversification of supply sources.
In contrast, some traditional partners recorded a decline in imports. Imports from Italy fell by 6%, while declines were also recorded from Turkey by 9.7% and from the United States by 45.1%, indicating changes in the supply structure and trade orientation.
Overall, data by partner country show that Albanian trade continues to rely on European Union countries, but at the same time a gradual shift towards regional markets and partners outside the EU, especially China, is being observed.
Oil below 200 lek per liter, Transparency Board significantly reduces fuel prices
The retail price for a liter of diesel will be no more than 197 lek/liter and for gasoline no more than 172 lek/liter. The decision comes into effect this......
Prime Minister Rama in Barcelona, meeting at the Chamber of Commerce of Catalonia
During his visit to Barcelona, Prime Minister Edi Rama was also welcomed at the Chamber of Commerce of Catalonia. In a post on social networks, Rama writes......
Governor Sejko part of the regional roundtable on SEPA and TIPS Clone
Governor Sejko participated in a regional roundtable with the central banks of the Western Balkans and the Bank of Italy, where progress in the......
Government decisions, the establishment and operation of the National Search and Rescue Center is approved
At this Friday's meeting, the Council of Ministers approved a decision on the organization and functioning of the National Search and Rescue Center, defining......
Governor Sejko meets the Executive Director for Albania at the World Bank, Bugamelli
Governor Sejko held a meeting with Mr. Matteo Bugamelli, Executive Director for Albania at the WB, in the context of participating in the 2026 Spring......
Oil is fixed at 210 lek/liter, the Transparency Board publishes the new prices
The Transparency Board set new fuel prices at a meeting held on April 17, 2026, setting ceilings for retail and wholesale sales in the country. According to......
35 years of capitalism in Albania, the challenges of the free market - From transition to the future. Discussions on the economic model
The Liberal Institute "Pashko" organized the forum on economic freedom with the theme "35th Anniversary of Albanian Capitalism: The Free Market Beyond the......
Fier gas exit point - TAP begins construction contract implementation, finally handed over to the state
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has entered a new phase of gas infrastructure development in Albania, starting the implementation of the contract for the......
