In the case of our country we distinguish the export of six main groups such as: copper ore and waste (scrap); copper wire; Refined copper and raw copper alloys; Copper tubes and pipes; plates, copper sheets and strips, of a thickness of more than 0.15 mm; and other items.
Copper extracted from underground is marketed mostly in the form of ore, this due to the non-functioning of its processing industry. In 2013, copper ore and waste constitute about 97% of the total value of the exported Albanian copper.
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
From year 2001 till year 2006 we have an upward trend in the price of copper ore export, while in 2007-2009 have an almost constant trading price of copper ore. The situation in 2010 is positive, when the export price of copper ore and its waste increased by 50% compared with a year ago.
In 2011 a kilogram of ore was sold with a price of 687 ALL, the highest value for this time period. In 2012 Albanian export price of copper ores decreased until in 2013, where the price was 639 ALL / kg.
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
Total value of export of copper ore from Albania in 2013 marks 3.05 billion ALL. In 2013, Albania has exported larger quantities of copper ore and its waste to Italy and Bulgaria. Albania also exports to Greece, Turkey, India, Jordan and Belgium. Export price of ore has not been the same for all the countries mentioned above. According to the data, it is noted that Jordan and Turkey had a lower price than the other countries.
After them comes India, Greece and then Italy, where to the latter are exported the largest quantities of ore. Bulgaria and Belgium are the countries that pay more for Albanian copper ore. Interesting is the export price of copper ore and its waste in Germany. In 2012, this price was only 128 ALL / kg, far away from the average selling price of copper ores. In 2013 we have no longer trading of copper ore in this country of the EU.
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
Copper is one of the most valuable minerals being exported from Albania. It is extracted in the area of Fushe-Arrez (Munella) and processed in the form of copper concentrate in the factory of this area which is operated in concession by a foreign company Beralb. Albania has continuous trading relations with Italy, where year after year large quantities are exported to this country. In 2003, Bulgaria has increased the quantity and value of ore imported from Albania becoming an important partner as regards the acquisition of the Albanian copper.
Destinations of Albanian copper exports by quantity 2001-2013
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
Destinations of Albanian copper exports by value 2001-2013
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
Compared to countries in the region, the average price of copper ore export by country exporter, lists Macedonia as the most favorable one. Our eastern neighbor in 2013 has sold copper ore with the average price of 643 ALL versus 639 ALL as the average price for exports of our country. Albanian copper ore especially in Munella?s mine, that is the first major mine given in concession, is estimated by Albanian institutions of geology as incredibly rich in mineral content.
The composition of this mineral has pure copper at 3%; Zinc close to 2%; about 35% sulfur; 13gr of gold metal per ton; 73 grams of silver per ton and 78 grams of cadmium per ton. In the absence of domestic processing industry the ore is processed and marketed abroad. Other countries in the region have lower export quality and average price for copper ore.
Source: International Trade Centre
Comments and Analysis: ODA
Contributed by: Ina Baja