426 million euros in purchases, only 60 million in sales: Kosovo continues to remain a consumer market

426 million euros in purchases, only 60 million in sales: Kosovo continues to remain a consumer market

Kosovo’s trade deficit continues to be high, with exports reaching only 14% of total imports, indicating the country’s dependence on foreign goods.

Despite promises to increase domestic production and support exporters, Kosovo’s trade balance remains deeply negative.

The latest data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics shows that in January 2026, exports covered only 14,1 percent of imports, clear evidence that the country continues to depend on foreign goods.

According to the report, the trade deficit in January 2026 was 365,9 million euros, which, although representing an improvement of 11,6 percent compared to the same month in 2025, remains an alarming indicator of the weak structure of the economy.

Kosovo has exported goods worth only 60,2 million euros, while it has imported 426,1 million euros.

The structure of exports shows that the Kosovar economy has not yet managed to develop a competitive manufacturing industry. The largest share is made up of basic metals and articles thereof (21,9%), mineral products (11,9%) and prepared foods, beverages and tobacco (11,8%). This means that Kosovo is exporting mainly raw materials and products with low added value.

Imports are dominated by finished goods

On the other hand, imports remain high in almost every category. Mineral products (17,6%), transport vehicles (12,8%), prepared foods (11,4%), and machinery and electrical equipment (10,4%) account for the largest share. This shows that Kosovo continues to consume more than it produces, making the economy dependent on imports.

Kosovo has exported around 19 million euros to European Union countries, a decrease of 15,6 percent compared to the previous year, while it has imported 162,5 million euros from these countries, which constitutes over a third of all imports. The main partners are Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

In trade with CEFTA countries, Kosovo has achieved a slight increase in exports (11,8%), but imports from this group have decreased by 23,9 percent – mainly due to the decrease in turnover with Serbia and North Macedonia.

China and Turkey, the largest importers

In trade with countries outside the EU and CEFTA, imports are dominated by China (13,8%) and Turkey (12,5%), while exports to these markets are minimal.

Although the trade deficit has narrowed compared to last year, Kosovo’s dependence on imports remains deep. Domestic production is failing to replace foreign goods, while exports remain concentrated in sectors with low value added.

Without a serious industrial strategy, investments in production capacities and facilities for exporters, Kosovo risks remaining a consumer economy, dependent on imports and diaspora money, for many years.

Trade with major partners

Exports to the EU: 19 million euros (31,6% of the total), down 15,6%. Main partners: Germany (9,8%), Italy (3,6%) and the Netherlands (3,6%).

Imports from the EU: 162,5 million euros (38,1% of the total), down 20,5%. Main countries: Germany (13,7%), Italy (3,8%) and Poland (3,6%).

Exports to CEFTA: 27 million euros (44,8% of the total), an increase of 11,8%. Partners: Albania (16,9%), North Macedonia (15,9%), Serbia (6,7%) and Montenegro (4,7%).

Imports from CEFTA: 63,6 million euros (14,9% of the total), down 23,9%.

Exports to other countries: 14,2 million euros (23,6%), mainly to Switzerland (12,0%) and Turkey (6,1%).

Imports from other countries: 200 million euros (46,9%), dominated by China (13,8%) and Turkey (12,5%). /Monitor