TIRANA, Jan  20 /ATA/ For the first time, Albania recorded a positive trade balance with Italy during 2022, as exports exceeded imports in value, marking an increase of 35.1% compared to 2021.

Referring to INSTAT’s report on foreign trade, exports in value to Italy are reckoned at 210.435 million ALL while imports are reckoned at 205.878 million ALL.

The data show that Albanian exports to Italy were led by textiles and shoes, construction materials and metals and minerals, fuels and electricity.

During 2022, textiles and footwear exported to Italy amounted to 105.204 million ALL from 88.207 million ALL in 2021.

Likewise, 33.231 million ALL of construction material and metals were exported from 22.899 million ALL that were exported in the previous year.

While the group “minerals, fuel and electricity” recorded an increase of about 15,414 million ALL, reaching 18,155 million ALL from only 2,741 million ALL.

Exports of the group “food, beverages and tobacco” result in almost the same levels of the previous year. According to the report, during 2022, 11,438 million ALL of food products, beverages and tobacco were exported, while in 2021, 11,407 million ALL were exported.

/sm/