Exports jump in June led by energy and minerals

Albanian exports showed strong growth in June, boosted by rising sales of energy, minerals, and building materials.

Official figures show the value of exported goods reached 35.4 billion leks last month. This is a 13.6 percent jump compared to June last year.

Imports also rose by nine percent to 83.5 billion leks. Because Albania still buys much more than it sells, the country's trade gap remains high at 48 billion leks.

Minerals, fuels, and electricity led the export growth, supported by metals and machinery. However, sales of clothes and shoes continued to fall.

Italy and Kosovo saw the biggest increase in buying Albanian goods.

The European Union remains Albania's main trade partner. EU countries make up nearly 60 percent of Albania's total trade and buy almost 70 percent of all its exports.