Economic and trade cooperation between Kosovo and Albania, despite encouraging trends, still does not have satisfactory economic relations between these two countries.
Despite the willingness and readiness of businessmen for stronger economic cooperation, relations between these two countries still remain symbolic or are characterized only by import-export trade exchanges.
However, despite the slight increase in Kosovo’s exports to Albania, the trade balance throughout the 2022–2025 period remains significantly negative with Albanian imports continuing to dominate the structure of exchanges.
Thus, the difference between imports and exports continues to remain an open economic challenge.
Kosovo continues to have a negative trade balance with Albania, even though there is an increase in the value of exported goods.
According to Kosovo Customs, for 2025, our country’s exports to Albania, from January to November 26 of this year, reach around 143 million euros, while imports from this country are 259 million euros.
Customs told KosovaPress that in 2022, Kosovo exports to Albania were around 102 million euros, marking a moderate increase to 115 million euros during 2023.
However, 2024 brought a jump, with exports increasing to nearly 248 million euros, more than double the first year of the analyzed period.
Meanwhile, imports of goods from Albania in 2022 reached around 255 million euros, increasing significantly to 326 million euros during 2023, to peak at 337 million euros in 2024.
In 2025, imports to date are estimated at approximately 259 million euros – a high level, considering that the data does not include the month of December.
TOP 10 most exported products from Kosovo to Albania
KosovaPress has obtained a list from Kosovo Customs of the types of goods most exported to Albania. The list is led by mineral fuels and energy derivatives, which amount to over 153 million euros over the last four years.
This is followed by the beverage and alcohol sector with 87.5 million euros, as well as metallurgy (cast iron, steel, aluminum and plastics), demonstrating an increase in Kosovo’s industrial capacities and the expansion of value-added industries.
Products such as furniture, machinery, live animals, and vegetable/animal oils complete the list, reflecting a broader diversification of Kosovo’s export portfolio.
TOP 10 most imported products from Albania to Kosovo
On the other hand, Kosovo imports mainly strategic and mass consumption products. At the top of the list is cast iron and steel, worth over 328 million euros, followed by mineral fuels at 261 million euros. These products are vital for the construction, energy and infrastructure sectors.
An important component of Albanian imports are also agricultural products – vegetables 51.7 million euros and fruits 40.1 million euros, which demonstrate Albania’s role as the main supplier of the Kosovo market with fresh agri-food products.
Goods such as chemical salts, organic extracts, aluminum, paper and cardboard round out the list, reflecting the strong foundations of Albania’s processing and agro-industrial industries.