The lack of domestic production in Albania and the growth of tourism are leading to a rapid increase in imports, especially in specific food categories, where quantities increased by over 30% in 2024.
Strengthening import channels hinders the competitiveness of domestic production and reduces the value that remains in the country from tourism revenues.
According to official INSTAT data, live animal imports increased by 35.5% in 2024, reaching 32,000 tons, compared to 22,000 tons in 2023. This increase is mainly due to two reasons:
- Reduction in the number of animals due to the aging population and the decrease in the number of inhabitants in rural areas. The number of livestock units has been halved in the last decade.
- Increase in meat consumption due to the growth of tourism, as albanian cuisine is mainly based on meat and dairy Products. the increase in visitors and agrotourism units, combined with the decrease in livestock, leads to an increase in imports.
At the same time, vegetable imports increased by 29% in 2024, reaching 61,000 tons, from 47,000 tons in 2023. Although greenhouse production is increasing, it is mainly intended for exports, while the financial hardship of small farmers has turned them into consumers instead of producers.
Overall, food imports increased by 15% in 2024. The rapid rise of tourism could act as a growth lever for the economy, as is the case in other Mediterranean countries, where tourism supports agriculture and other production sectors.
However, the data shows otherwise. While tourist numbers are breaking records, agriculture, industry and exports are in decline. Agriculture, which accounts for more than 18% of GDP, fell by 2.5% in the third quarter of 2024, marking the biggest drop since 2022.
The lack of connection between tourism and domestic production means that much of the tourism revenue is directed towards imports, rather than boosting the local economy. Imports of products to supply hotels have increased by up to 50%, burdening the trade deficit.
