Albania’s trade deficit widened to ALL 55.0 billion in August 2026 from ALL 46.9 billion a year earlier, marking the largest shortfall since December 2021. Imports surged 12.6% year-on-year to ALL 75.6 billion, largely driven by higher purchases of minerals, fuels, and electricity (+23.2%); machinery, equipment, and spare parts (+19.8%); and construction materials and metals (+16.5%). By trading partner, imports rose notably from the US (+320.3%), Spain (+27.4%), Turkey (+21.9%), and China (+16.9%).
Exports increased more modestly, rising 1.6% to ALL 20.5 billion. Growth was supported by higher shipments of leather and leather products (+27.3%), wood and paper articles (+12.0%), and food, beverages, and tobacco (+7.9%). Export growth was strongest to Switzerland (+101.9%), the US (+71.6%), China (+49.5%), and Germany (+14.9%).
Over the January–August period, the trade deficit reached ALL 364.1 billion, up from ALL 348.9 billion in the same period a year earlier.