Albania’s trade deficit narrowed to ALL 31.1 billion in January 2026, down from ALL 32.0 billion in the same month a year earlier. Imports declined by 4.0% year-on-year to ALL 57.9 billion, reflecting reduced inflows of construction materials and metals (-2.1 pp), minerals, fuels, and electricity (-2.0 pp), as well as chemical and plastic products (-1.5 pp). These decreases were partly offset by higher imports of machinery, equipment, and spare parts (+2.1 pp). By trading partner, imports fell from Italy (-10.3%) and Greece (-3.3%), while they increased from China (+1.8%) and Turkey (+13.5%).
Exports fell 4.5% to ALL 26.7 billion, pressured by lower shipments of minerals, fuels, and electricity (-2.9 pp), textiles and footwear (-1.8 pp), and chemical and plastic products (-0.4 pp). These declines were partially cushioned by higher exports of machinery, equipment, and spare parts (+1.4 pp) and leather products (+0.1 pp). By destination, exports to Italy (-3.6%) and Kosovo (-2.0%) decreased, whereas exports to Germany (+30.2%) and Greece (+31.8%) recorded strong growth.
