Kosovo’s imports have increased by 15.5% in the period January–April 2025, compared to the same timeframe last year, according to new economic data. The main import partners were Germany, Turkey, and China, which together accounted for around 40% of total imports, valued at approximately €845 million out of a total €2.15 billion.
Meanwhile, Serbia, once Kosovo’s top trade partner, has now dropped to ninth place, continuing a downward trend since 2018.
Key Import Trends:
Germany: Primarily exports vehicles and machinery to Kosovo.
Turkey: Exports include steel bars, cigarettes, oil, and medications.
China: Supplies air conditioners, computers, and mobile phones.
By comparison, Kosovo’s exports fell by about €10 million from the previous year, totaling around €260 million, highlighting the country’s continued trade imbalance.
Economic Concerns:
Blendi Hasaj, director of the GAP Institute, stated that Kosovo remains a consumption-based economy, heavily reliant on imports. This trend is fueled by:
Rising consumer credit in the domestic market.
Strong diaspora remittances, of which over 80% go directly toward consumption.
Real estate investments by the diaspora, increasing demand for imported construction materials.
Despite rising imports, Kosovo’s export capacity remains stagnant, showing little progress in production expansion or market diversification.
Lack of Institutional Action
The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade has not responded to inquiries about steps taken to reduce the growing trade deficit.
Economics professor Ilir Hajdini pointed to the lack of support for local production, emphasizing the need for:
Embassy-led initiatives to promote Kosovar products abroad.
Participation in international fairs and business forums.
Closer cooperation with EU countries that are currently seeking more reliable and geographically closer supply chains due to tensions with China and other global suppliers.
Shifting Regional Trade:
Kosovo’s regional trade has shifted significantly:
North Macedonia now ranks 4th and Albania 6th among import partners.
From these three Balkan countries (North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia), Kosovo imported €318 million worth of goods — nearly 15% of total imports.
