Kosovo Balance of Trade

Kosovo’s trade deficit widened to €534.0 million in September 2026 from €520.5 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports rose 6.1% year-on-year to €643.4 million, driven by a 12.7% increase in purchases from EU countries, particularly Germany, which accounted for 12.5% of total imports, followed by Greece (6.5%) and Italy (4.4%). In contrast, imports from CEFTA countries declined by 1.2%. By product category, imports increased for mineral products (19.8%), beverages and tobacco (11.8%), and transport equipment (11.2%). Meanwhile, exports jumped 27.5% to €109.4 million, driven largely by a 22.1% increase in shipments to EU countries, particularly Germany, which accounted for 9.8% of total exports, followed by the Netherlands (2.7%) and Bulgaria (2.3%). Shipments to CEFTA countries also rose by 36.8%. By product category, exports increased for base metals and articles thereof (24.3%), mineral products (17.1%), and plastic and rubber products (10.3%).

Kosovo’s trade deficit widened to €568 million in August 2026, from €536.8 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports rose 9% to €668.5 million, driven by a 6.6% increase in purchases from EU countries, mainly Germany, which accounted for 13.6% of total imports, followed by Italy (4.2%) and Poland (3.7%). In contrast, imports from CEFTA countries (North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania) declined 2.1%. The main imported products were machinery and transport equipment (23.2% of total), fuel (18.4%), processed goods (16.6%), and food and live animals (14.9%). Meanwhile, exports surged 31.9% to €100.5 million, driven by a 29.8% increase in shipments to EU countries, particularly Germany, which accounted for 10.2% of total exports, followed by Italy (3.0%) and the Netherlands (2.2%). Shipments to CEFTA countries (Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro) also rose 32.2%. The main exported products were processed goods (25.4%), food and live animals (15.7%), and fuel (12.8%).

Kosovo’s trade deficit widened to a record €615.7 million in July 2026, up from €576.4 million in July 2025, as both imports and exports reached all-time highs. Imports rose 9.1% to €720.5 million, driven by increases from EU countries (up 7.2%, notably Germany, Italy, and Poland), CEFTA nations (up 11.5%, led by North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia), and third countries (up 10.3%, primarily Turkey and China). Key import categories included mineral products (15.7% of total imports), prepared foods, beverages, and tobacco (13.3%), and machinery and electrical equipment (12.4%). Exports surged 25.0% to €104.8 million, fueled by growth in shipments to the EU (up 9.6%, mainly Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands), CEFTA countries (up 27.4%, including North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro), and third countries (up 47.4%, primarily Switzerland). Top export categories were base metals (27.8%), prepared foods, beverages, and tobacco (12.7%), and plastics and rubber (10.1%).