Are exports emerging from the crisis? - Zusi: Many businesses have abandoned them, they are rethinking production
After two difficult years for the export sector, Albanian businesses are still feeling the consequences of the exchange rate crisis and the fall of the euro. Some companies have not managed to survive the shock, while others have been forced to reduce activity, close branches or resize production. Experts in the field say that the year 2025 marks some stabilization, but the situation remains challenging.
Alban Zusi, expert: "After two years of fortune, for Albanian exports where some could not resist, another part was forced to shrink, including the business that I run. The year 2025 seems to be stabilizing somewhat, although the euro has not stopped falling, it still continues to create concerns but it is somewhat less than stabilized for what is left and for the part that they have retained, because there are exporting businesses that have completely exited the market but there are also businesses that have reduced some of their branches and have retained a part. And everyone is trying to do a kind of reengineering of their activity, some are trying to stop exporting, they are trying to produce for the domestic market, and this is probably one of the best alternatives for these types of situations, while some are changing production, technology, markets and also changing the concept in order to expand the production chain to do as many things as possible themselves, in order to be as attractive as possible to international markets. Since international markets today are quite specialized in trading, and they want to have businesses that complete the entire cycle in their operation.”
According to Zusi, many companies are moving towards reviewing their business models, replacing exports with production for the domestic market, or investing in new technologies and products that enable them to increase the value of the production chain. This reconstruction has become a necessity for the survival of the sector, while some businesses report a significant decrease in the value of exports.
"What I have done with my business has been mainly product redesign, modification, some quick investments in technology to change the product and turn it from exports to a product for the domestic consumer. The value of exports has decreased, we are at 55-60% export value. But we are satisfied that we have opened the domestic market, and with a long-term perspective. As predicted, 2026, I believe that it will again be a year where exporters will try to heal the wounds created, will try to stabilize, recreate the lost liquidity, and at the end of 2026 they will be ready for a good start to 2027."
For exporters, it remains essential to adapt production models to the new economic reality and the continued decline of the euro.
How has this week started for the major currencies?
The US dollar has started this week at relatively constant values compared to the week before, with no significant movement in the quote, being bought......
Digital payments, Ibrahimaj: Albania among developed countries - 'Cashless Albania 2030', the transformation of payments starts in 2026
Albania is positioned among the most developed countries that have adopted the most advanced payment models without physical cash, with the launch of the......
China does not "need" the US - Total exports increase by 6%, despite the contraction of US imports
China's exports rose 5.9% in November, beating expectations and restoring the country's positive trend. The increase in total exports came despite a sharp......
Volkswagen, 160 billion euros by 2030 - The company faces major challenges in the US and China markets
Volkswagen has announced an investment plan of 160 billion euros by 2030. The company faces falling profits and strong pressure in the US and Chinese......
Payment system, towards modernization/ Sejko: We are working with our international partners to promote electronic payments
Albania is continuing to work on further modernizing its payment system. At the International Conference on Economics, Business, Innovation and Technology......
Netflix buys Warner Bros./ Parties reach deal worth $72 billion
Netflix will buy Warner Bros.' Discovery TV, film studios and broadcasting unit for $72 billion. The deal gives the streaming giant control of one of......
Construction of Tirana bypass/ Expropriations for 202 properties, worth 126.2 million lek, are about to begin
The construction of the Tirana bypass is advancing with the expropriations of the owners affected by this project. The State Expropriation Agency has......
Greece, 8 billion euros from financial markets in 2026/ 2026 budget predicts 13 billion euros of net debt
Greece is expected to raise around 8 billion euros from financial markets in 2026. The Public Debt Management Agency's plan foresees that of the country's......
