Over 35 million euros were spent on the import of fruits and vegetables alone in Kosovo during the past year. The imported tomatoes were valued at 11.9 million euros, while the value of apples reached 5.6 million euros. Onions accounted for 4.8 million euros, grapes for 3.4 million euros, and cherries for 2.1 million euros.
The trade balance between exports and imports in Kosovo leaves much to be desired.
Even in the past year, Kosovo imported significantly more products than it exported.
Kosovo’s exports in 2023 were around 820 million euros, while imports were 5.77 billion euros.
But surprisingly, Kosovo continues to import substantial quantities of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, despite offering subsidies and grants for their cultivation.
“Kosovo continues to import significant quantities of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, for the cultivation of which subsidies and grants are consistently offered,” says the announcement released by GAP, which also shows the import value of each product.
According to data from the Kosovo Customs, referred to by the GAP Institute, during the past year, Kosovo imported about 12 million euros worth of tomatoes.
Also according to this data, 6.3 million euros were paid for the import of potatoes.
The value of imported tomatoes during 2023 was 11.9 million euros, while the import value of apples reached 5.6 million euros.
For onions, it was 4.8 million euros, for grapes 3.4 million euros, and for cherries 2.1 million euros.
Kosovo exports the most in North Macedonia and imports the most from Turkey – the country’s main trading partners in 2023.
Even for onions and apples, which are widely cultivated in Kosovo, large sums were spent.
While about 5.6 million euros were spent on importing apples from the region and beyond, 4.8 million euros were spent on onions.
Kosovo also imported grapes in 2023, despite the country being known for the cultivation of quality grapes.
A total of 3.4 million euros were spent on the import of grapes, according to Kosovo Customs data.
Over 2 million euros were also spent on importing plums, while several hundred thousand euros were spent to bring apples, cherries, garlic, and strawberries to Kosovo.
