Blockage of the Prrenjas–Librazhd axis / Paralysis of €1.2 billion trade with Greece and North Macedonia and the impact on the economy

The blockage of movement in the country’s southeast also affects key border crossing points with Greece and North Macedonia, with which Albania maintains significant trade activity, especially with the Hellenic state.

With these two countries, a trade volume of 117 billion lekë was recorded in 2025 (imports + exports), or around €1.2 billion. According to INSTAT, this amount accounts for about one-tenth of the country’s total trade volume (9.5%).

According to INSTAT data, in 2025 trade volume with Greece (imports + exports) reached 94 billion lekë, or €960 million, accounting for 7.6% of total trade.

Imports from Greece amounted to 70 billion lekë. Greece is the country’s fourth-largest import partner, after Italy, China, and Turkey, with 8% of total imports. The main products imported from Greece are fuels, garments, prepared vegetables, fruits and nuts, plastics and articles thereof, as well as edible fruits and nuts.

Greece is even more important for Albania’s exports. The neighboring country is the third-largest export partner, after Italy and Kosovo, with 7% of the total, or 24 billion lekë.

The main exported product is garments, due to the garment-processing (fason) industry in the south of the country that works closely with the neighboring state, followed by prepared vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Notably, the trade balance for vegetables with Greece is very low, meaning that imports and exports are nearly equal.

North Macedonia ranks as the seventh export partner (after Italy, Kosovo, Greece, Germany, Spain, and China).

Exports to this country in 2025 reached around 9 billion lekë, or 2.6% of the total. The main exported product is fuels, followed by vegetables.

Imports from North Macedonia amounted to 14 billion lekë in 2025, or 1.5% of the total. The main imported products are fuels, followed by cement.

Fortunately, the majority of Albania’s trade is conducted via maritime transport, mainly through the Port of Durrës, while key partners include countries such as Italy, China, and Turkey (although the latter also uses road transport).

“KORÇA BOOM”