Trade deficit falls 9.5%

Albania's trade deficit narrowed by 9.5% year-on-year to 40 billion leks in August, the national statistical office, INSTAT said.

According to INSTAT, exports fell by 22% on the year to 27 billion leks in August, while imports declined by 15% to 68 billion leks.

Exports of building materials and metals, textiles and shoes, and wood and paper products dropped in the review period. Plastic and chemical products impacted exports positively.

Italy remained Albania's main trading partner in August, absorbing Albanian exports worth 8.6 billion leks and providing imports of 11.3 billion leks.

In 2022, Albania's trade deficit rose by 7.3% to 464 billion leks.