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INSTAT corrects figures, exports have never increased this year, down 7.9% for the first 9 months

2025-10-27 22:24:00, Ekonomi CNA

INSTAT corrects figures, exports have never increased this year, down 7.9% for

The correction of export figures by INSTAT has highlighted the real performance of Albanian exports, which not only did not take a positive turn this year, but have continued their downward trend throughout the entire 9-month period.

INSTAT reported that in September 2025, exports of goods reached a value of 27 billion lek, decreasing by 10.7%, compared to the same period a year earlier.

In this nine-month period, exports of goods reached a value of 260 billion lek, decreasing by 7.9%.

Earlier, INSTAT had reported that for the 8-month period, the official value of exports had increased by 3.5%. This increase was entirely due to the inclusion in the calculation of goods transiting from Albania to Kosovo, which almost artificially doubled sales to Kosovo, thus improving the total figure. However, the strong growth of exports with Kosovo was related to the fact that from January 1, 2025, fuel transits to Kosovo are also reported as new exports, thus influencing the strong expansion of exports in value, specifically of the minerals, fuels and energy group.

According to revised INSTAT data, the downward trend in both September and the 9-month period was driven by the construction materials and metals group, as a result of the closure of Kurum's activity, and to a lesser extent by minerals, fuels and energy. Exports of textiles and footwear recovered in September and for the 9-month period showed a negligible decline.

The review of the figures has also revealed an increase in the trade deficit, while up until the 8th month it was reported to have decreased!

According to INSTAT, During September 2025, the decrease in exports of 10.7% was negatively affected by the groups: "Construction materials and metals" with -8.4 percentage points and "Minerals, fuels, electricity" with -2.4 percentage points. The groups: "Textiles and footwear" with +1.4 percentage points and "Food, beverages, tobacco" with +0.2 percentage points, etc. had a positive impact.

Exports, during this nine-month period, decreased by 7.9%, compared to a year earlier. The groups that have influenced the annual decrease in exports are: “Construction materials and metals” with -6.6 percentage points, “Minerals, fuels and electricity” with -1.2 percentage points, etc. While the groups that have positively influenced are: “Food, beverages, tobacco” with +1.0 percentage points and “Machinery, equipment and spare parts” with +0.5 percentage points.

Textile and footwear exports increase, but fashion remains pessimistic

Textile and footwear exports have fluctuated widely throughout the first months of this year, with slight increases and decreases. In September, exports increased by 5%, after a 2.4% decline in August.

For the 8-month period, the trend is slightly negative, with a decrease of 0.3% on an annual basis.

Exporters from the Pro-export association said that the increase in clothing and footwear exports in September alone could be the result of a specific contract, but the entire sector is in difficulty and bankruptcies are increasing day by day. According to them, clothing and footwear production throughout Europe and in Albania is in difficulty due to competition from clothing from Chinese applications Shein and TEMU.

Building materials and metals, strong shrinkage 34%

"Construction materials and metals" have continued their downward trend this year, influenced by the reduction in activity of Kurum, the steel processor, which is one of the largest exporters in the country.

For the 9-month period, this group fell by 34.7%. The sector is suffering from weak regional demand and shrinking prices.

Food, beverages and tobacco become the third largest group

“Food, beverages and tobacco”, one of the best-performing groups in recent years, is growing. In January-September, this group grew by 7.4%, slowing to 2% in September, after accelerating in August and July to around 9%. Exports of food and beverages increased in quantity more than in value during the first 9 months of 2025, by around 9 percent more than in the same period of the previous year, due to increased sales of watermelons abroad. The increase in exports of melons increased the quantity but not the value, as one kilogram of them is sold cheaper than one kilogram of vegetables.

Minerals, fuels, energy, growth is reversed!

For the first eight months, INSTAT reported a 51% increase for the group of minerals, fuels and energy, which was actually influenced by the recalculation of exports to Kosovo as Albanian exports.

After reviewing the figures for the first 9 months, INSTAT reported that the sales of this group, which are actually mainly affected by Bankers Petroleum oil and electricity, have fallen by 6.3%, returning to reality.

Machinery and equipment fall

The “Machinery, equipment, spare parts” group returned to decline in September, after the improvement it had shown in recent months. In September, the group fell by 3.5%, while for the 9-month period the expansion is 4.9%. This group is suffering from the depreciation of the euro, rising costs and labor shortages.

Trade deficit increases

Imports of goods reached the value of 75 billion lek, increasing by 5.6% compared to a year ago and by 11.8% compared to August 2025. This month's trade deficit is 48 billion lek, increasing by 17.8% compared to September 2024 and by 1.9% compared to August 2025.

In this nine-month period, exports of goods reached a value of 260 billion lek, decreasing by 7.9%, while imports of goods reached a value of 657 billion lek, decreasing by 1.3%, compared to a year earlier. The trade deficit reached a value of 397 billion lek, increasing by 3.6%, compared to the same period in 2024.

Exports fall with Italy and Spain

According to INSTAT, in September 2025, the countries with which Albania had the largest decrease in exports, compared to September 2024, are: Italy (0.7%), Spain (49.9%), etc. While the countries with which exports had the largest increase are: Kosovo (8.1%), Greece (32.5%), Germany (2.3%), etc.

During this nine-month period, the countries with which Albania has had the largest decrease in exports, compared to a year ago, are: Italy (10.8%), Kosovo (13.5%) and China (3.0%). While the countries with which exports have had the largest increase are: Greece (6.4%), Germany (5.6%) and Spain (27.5%).

In September 2025, the countries with which Albania had the largest increase in imports are: Italy (9.9%), China (39.8%) and Greece (10.9%). While the countries with which imports had the largest decrease are: Turkey (7.3%), Germany (1.5%), etc.

During this nine-month period, the countries with which Albania has had the largest decrease in imports, compared to a year ago, are: Italy (2.8%), Turkey (14.3%) and Germany (6.4%). While the countries with which imports have had the largest increase are: China (23.5%), Greece (4.0%) and Spain (14.1%).

Trade with EU countries accounts for 57.5% of all trade. In September 2025, exports to EU countries account for 74.6% of total exports and imports from EU countries account for 51.3% of total imports.

The main trading partners are: Italy (27.7%), China (12.6%), Greece (8.3%) and Turkey (6.7%).

Trade exchanges, for the first nine months of 2025, with EU countries account for 57.4% of all trade. In the period January-September 2025, exports to EU countries account for 73.3% of total exports and imports from EU countries account for 51.1% of total imports.

The main trading partners are: Italy (26.9%), China (10.3%), Greece (7.7%) and Turkey (7.3%)./ Monitor