Two realities: vegetables cover imports, fruits do not/ Albania produces for export, but consumes expensive imported fruits
In 2025, imports of vegetables and edible roots reached about 4.35 billion lek, while in weight they reached 69.4 thousand tons. These levels are the highest ever recorded, reflecting the increase in domestic demand and the need for additional supply throughout the year.
However, vegetable exports are significantly higher. In 2025, the value of exports reached 14.1 billion lek, while their weight rose to about 175 thousand tons. This means that exports not only fully cover imports, but exceed them by more than two and a half times in weight and over three times in value.
Compared to 2010, vegetable exports have increased several times, indicating a structural expansion of domestic production, supported by investments in greenhouses, technology and orientation towards foreign markets. In this segment, Albania has built a clear competitive advantage and a sustainable trade surplus.
The picture is different for edible fruits and nuts. In 2025, fruit imports reached about 8.32 billion lek, while in weight they reached nearly 99 thousand tons, marking a historical record. The growth in imports is particularly strong after 2020 and is related to the continuous demand for fruits throughout the year, including products that are not produced sufficiently domestically.
Fruit exports, although increasing, remain lower. In 2025, they reached around 6.76 billion lek, with a weight of 139 thousand tons. In value terms, exports cover only around 81% of imports, confirming that Albania remains dependent on this chapter.
Even in terms of weight, although exports have increased significantly compared to a decade ago, the market structure remains unbalanced. Imports continue to play a key role in supplying the domestic market, especially for cold-season fruits and tropical products, exposing the sector to international price fluctuations.
The comparison between value and weight clearly shows the role of prices in this unequal balance. Albania exports vegetables at a higher average price than it imports, while the opposite happens with fruits: more expensive products are imported and larger quantities are exported, but at a lower price per kilogram.
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