Trade Balance with the countries in the Region during 2005-2013

Albania continues to maintain a negative trade balance with countries of the region . Open Data Albania has undertaken a research on exports and imports to and from the region , by country, highlighting Albania’s trade balance with these countries. Albanian exports to neighboring non-EU countries in 2013, have been steadily increasing, but this has not led to a positive balance .

At the end of 2013 , the trade balance with neighbors reached to -25.7 billion All, falling versus 2012, as a result of the expansion of exports and imports contraction.

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

In total, exports from Albania towards the region at the end of 2013 amounted to about 29.5 billion All, representing about 12% of total exports of the country, which emphasizes a limited exchange trade with ‘neighbors’. Exports have increased versus 2012 , expanding by 3%.

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

Imports, on the other hand declined in 2013 after reaching the maximum level a year ago. In total, at the end of 2013, 55.2 billion All goods and services were imported from neighboring countries , with an annual decline of 10% .

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

In the top-list of destinations for our exports is ranked Kosovo, which occupies 55% of them. Towards the Albanian state we export a wide range of items, from food, agricultural products to electric or fuel materials and energy .

But exports to Kosovo have decreased in 2013 as a result of several different problems in Albania-Kosovo border, which has led to lowering of interest for this market for some exporting companies.
In third place is ranked Montenegro where we export mainly agricultural products and construction materials . During 2013, exports to this country have increased. A positive trend is also recorded for exports to Serbia, where we also export mainly agricultural products while in Bulgaria during 2013 the exports declined .

Exports to Balkan countries (All)

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

Meanwhile, our country imports from neighbors have registered a decline, mainly due to the decline of imports from Serbia, who shares the biggest weight. Imports from Serbia decreased by 33% versus 2012. From this country we import mostly food, agricultural and construction materials also spare parts and fuel.

Bulgaria is ranked second for imports, leaving behind Macedonia that has been consistently second. In total, imports from Bulgaria recorded 9.1 billion All, growing 34% versus 2012. From this state we import different industrial goods and food. Macedonia and Kosovo respectively ranked third and fourth, while Kosovo has expanded fast exports towards Albania , increasing them by 18% on yearly basis.

Imports from Balkan countries (All)

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}

^{Source: INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA}