24.08.202610:46:46UTC+00Kosovo Posts Largest Trade Deficit on Record

Kosovo’s trade deficit widened to a record €615.7 million in July 2026, compared with €576.4 million in July 2025, as both imports and exports hit all-time highs. Imports increased by 9.1% to €720.5 million, driven by higher inflows from EU countries (up 7.2%, with Germany, Italy, and Poland as key partners), CEFTA members (up 11.5%, led by North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia), and other countries (up 10.3%, mainly Turkey and China). Major 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 rose even more sharply, climbing 25.0% to €104.8 million. This growth was supported by increased shipments to the EU (up 9.6%, primarily to Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands), CEFTA markets (up 27.4%, driven by North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro), and other countries (up 47.4%, with Switzerland as the main destination). The leading export categories were base metals (27.8% of total exports), prepared foods, beverages, and tobacco (12.7%), and plastics and rubber (10.1%).