Metals that are extracted are mostly exported due to the fact that Albania is a small market and their consumption is low. Likewise, heavy manufacturing industry has low capacities. During 2005-2012, exports of metals have increased rapidly by 3-4 times.
At the end of 2012 , there were exported in total 38.9 billion ALL metals into foreign markets. Versus a year ago these exports have recorded a decrease of 3%, mainly due to the reduction of metal prices in international markets.
Source:INSTAT
Comments and Analysis: ODA
The most exported metal is iron, which is produced within the country in the Metallurgic Plant in Elbasan city from Turkish company, Kurum International. Turkish company has aqcuired the former state plant from the government many years ago and manages this unique production iron facility in the country.
According to INSTAT data, during 2005-2012 iron exports have grown rapidly, reaching last year in 25.2 billion ALL. Exports of iron recorded frequent fluctuations in recent years as a result of the international financial crisis that sharply reduced external demand for iron and steel. Albanian iron is mainly exported to the markets of the region , such as Greece , Macedonia , Kosovo , etc.
Source:INSTAT
Comments and Analysis: ODA
One of the precious metals, that is exported from Albania is copper. This metal is exploited in the area of Fushe-Arrez, Puka region and is processed into copper concentrate in facility factory that is managed through a concession contract between the Albanian government and Turkish company , Beralb.
In total, during 2012 there were exported 3.94 billion ALL copper registering a positive performance during the last 7 years. The decline in exports was due to the fall in the price of copper in international market and not due to the fall of quantity exported from Albania that has registered an increase as a result of expansion of production capacity of the Turkish facility.
Source:INSTAT
Comments and Analysis: ODA
In the total of metal exports, iron shares the biggest part, 65% of them, meanwhile copper shares 10% of exports.
Source: INSTAT
Comments and Analysis: ODA