Exports increase, but textiles remain the weak point/ Fuels "breathe" foreign trade. Deficit widens further in June
Albanian exports recorded a stronger acceleration in June, supported mainly by fuels, metals and machinery. However, imports also expanded significantly, keeping the trade deficit 6.1% above the level of a year earlier, while textiles and footwear continued to make a negative contribution.
According to INSTAT data, in June 2026 exports reached 35.4 billion lek, increasing by 13.6% compared to the same month a year ago and by 8.3% compared to May. Imports rose to 83.5 billion lek, with an annual expansion of 9.1%, while the trade deficit reached 48 billion lek, 6.1% higher than last June.
The largest positive contribution to exports was made by the group "Minerals, fuels and electricity", with 5.7 percentage points. It was followed by construction materials and metals with 3.6 percentage points, as well as machinery, equipment and spare parts with 3.3 percentage points.
In contrast, textiles and footwear continued to negatively impact export performance, albeit with a more limited effect than in May. This shows that the garment industry continues to face difficulties. Exchange rate pressure remains present for exporters that secure their revenues in euros, but bear a large part of their costs in lek.
On the other hand, fuels and energy also supported the growth of imports, with a contribution of 2.3 percentage points. Food, beverages and tobacco, as well as chemical and plastic products, contributed with 2.2 percentage points each. The increase comes after months of strong fluctuations in international energy markets, caused by war and supply disruptions in the Middle East.
In terms of partner markets, Albanian exports increased by 38.5% to Kosovo and by 7.6% to Italy, while they decreased to Germany and North Macedonia. Imports expanded by 24.9% from Italy and by 11.5% from China, while they contracted from Turkey and Spain.
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