Albania – China trade focused mostly in imports

Tirana, Albania
5 April 2016

Trade with China is increasing continually in the past years. According to the Albanian Institute of Statistics, China is currently Albania’s second trade partner in February 2016. Trade between Albania and China comprised 7,1% of Albania’s trade with other countries in February 2016.

Chinese exports to Albania have increased significantly, reaching the value of ALL 3, 984 million in February 2016, in annual terms. However, the amount of Albanian products sent to Chinese markets has decreased. In February 2015, Albania exported towards the Chinese markets products that reached the value of ALL 622 million while in February 2016 these exports dropped to ALL 221 million.

Chinese products come with affordable prices for Albanian consumers and experts say this is one of the reasons why Chinese imports have increased rapidly in the past years. Albania imports from China products such as machinery and equipment for factories, textile and shoes, metals and other products. In turn, Albania exports to China markets are mostly minerals.

News source: ATA