Imports to Albania from Ukraine have soared, both in terms of value and quantity, according to data from INSTAT for March.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February and the ongoing war has triggered an energy, fuel and food crisis as well as rising inflation in Europe, as well as in Albania.
Data from the country’s statistics agency show that imports in March from Ukraine totalled EUR 10.86 million, an increase of 91% when compared with the same month in 2021. As for quantity, the increase was even more significant, rising by 112% compared to March last year.
Albanian exports to the country also increased, albeit at slightly lower rates than imports. In March 2022, the total value of items exported to Ukraine increased by 41% in value and 3% in quantity. Overall, trade between Albania and Ukraine remains low with exported goods to the Eastern European nation accounting for just 0.15% of all exports.
As for the most imported item, sunflower oil was number one, followed by furniture, mattresses, and materials such as steel and wood. The most exported items from Albania to Ukraine were fruit and vegetables.
But trade also increased between Albania and Russia despite Europe-wide sanctions. While trade is still allowed with Russia as long as the companies or connected individuals are not on sanctions lists, countries are under pressure to reduce their dealings over fears they could be funding the war.
In Albania, trade of items such as steel have significantly increased pushing up the total value of Russian imports to EUR 30 million in March, almost triple that of Ukraine. This is an increase of 68% when compared to this time last year. Overall, Russian imports accounted for 2% of all imports, up from 1% the year before.
Steel increases rose from 1500 tonns last year to 11,000 this year, an increase of over 600%. Oil increases also shot up to 641 tonnes to 2400 tonnes, an increase of 273% from March 2021.
Albanian exports to Russia have also increased. In the first quarter of 2021 zero items were exported however this rose to EUR 16,700 this year, still a modest amount.
Previous data from INSTAT, published by Exit showed that Albania has imported some 10,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia, compared to 5000 tonnes in March 2021, equivalent to a 100% increase.
During the first quarter of 2022, Albania imported more than 20,000 tonnes from Russia, a decrease of 21% on 2021 as a result of lower imports before the war in January and February. March, however, more than made up for it.
The value of the products also increased significantly as the cost of wheat from Russia rose. A kilogram of Russian wheat bought in March 2021 cost 31 ALL (EUR 0.26) while today it is 65 ALL (EUR 0.540).
At the start of the war, there were concerns that it would result in a shortage of wheat in the country. Industry stakeholders said they were looking to source the products elsewhere, outside of Russia and to an extent, Ukraine.
But instead of doing so, the amount of wheat imported from Russia has increased, along with the price.
While Albania has enforced sanctions against Russia, this does not cover the import of cereals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified. In terms of visas, the restriction of visas for diplomats, officials and business people is being considered.
