Open Data Albania has undertaken a research on Albania imports by country of origin during the period from 2005 to 2013 . Total imports declined by 3% on an annual basis in 2013 , reaching 512 billion All, reflecting both the contraction of consumption in the country by individuals, as well the fall of businesses investments. With the decline in imports and increase of exports in 2013, the trade deficit improved versus a year ago reaching the lowest level of the past 6 years.

The list of countries that share the largest part in imports in Albania are Italy, Greece, two traditional trading partners for the country. Third for imports is China, followed by Turkey, Germany, Serbia and the United States.
Source:INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA

Italy shares the major share of imports in Albania, with 32% of the total. Imports from this country fell for the first time since 2009, when Albania began to reflect the global economic crisis. Imports from Italy fell by 3.6% at the end of 2013 versus a year ago. From this neighboring country Albania imports food, clothing, basic consumer goods, but also machinery, equipments, etc. The decline in imports from Italy reflects the contraction of domestic consumption.

Another state with big share on imports, Greece, that has 9% of the total, has also registered a decline. Imports from this country decreased by 10%, registering the third consecutive year with a negative trend.  At the end of 2013 from Greece were imported about 44.7 billion All. Even from this country we import mainly food and clothing, mostly in the South regions of the country.

Source:INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA

A fall was also recorded in imports from China, reaching about 32 billion All at the end of 2013, with a contraction of 4.3 % versus a year ago. Imports from one of the largest manufacturing exporting country in the world have not escaped the contraction. From China we import mainly industrial items and equipments.

Turkey, which is ranked fourth in the list of importing countries has continued to grow, albeit modestly. During 2013 were imported about 31.3 billion All goods and services, increasing by about 3 % versus 2012.

Imports by main countries, 2005-2013 

Source:INSTAT
Processing and comments: ODA