Consumption increases by 106 million euros - 7-month/Budget, record VAT collections
This year has been accompanied by increased consumption of products and services by Albanian citizens and foreign tourists, who seem to have "let go".
Official data from the Ministry of Finance for the period January-July 2026 show that revenues from Value Added Tax are the item with the most positive performance, among all other items that supply the state treasury.
Specifically, revenues from VAT collected (net), which is a measure of domestic consumption in the country, were realized in the amount of 49 billion lek or in other words 9.8 billion lek or 106 million euros more. Expressed in percentage, the increase results in 25.1% more than the 7-month period of 2025.
Likewise, the Value Added Tax records a realization of 1.2 billion or 102.6% of the plan for the first seven months of 2026.
The reimbursements granted for the period January-July 2026 amount to 8.8 billion lek.
While the total collected from this item, including VAT on imports, results in 143.4 billion lek with an increase of 13.1 billion lek compared to the previous year or 10.1%. This figure has doubled compared to the same period in 2026. While for the month of July alone, 22.7 billion lek were collected, the highest figure compared to the same month in previous years.
Among the main factors that have influenced this positive performance is the gradual increase in the number of tourists visiting Albania. In addition to coastal areas, tourists have also shown increased interest in urban centers, historical destinations and mountainous areas, extending tourism consumption beyond the traditional summer season. Low-cost airlines have also contributed, which, through more affordable prices, have facilitated travel to the country, while travel agencies have expanded their offer with guides and packages for different destinations. At the same time, favorable weather conditions have supported a more stable flow of visitors, allowing tourism to generate consumption at different times of the year.
Another influential factor has been the public administration wage reform, which has increased the incomes of a number of categories of employees in the state sector and, consequently, their ability to consume more. The effect of this reform has also been transmitted to the private sector, promoting gradual movements in wage levels and contributing to the increase in the average wage nationwide. The increase in disposable income has subsequently been reflected in a higher demand for goods and services.
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