Trade in goods in 2022 had a trade deficit of 4.7 billion euros, indicating a larger trade deficit by 20.1% compared to 2021, where there was also a negative balance.
Total exports this year were 920.4 million euros, while imports were 5.6 billion euros. Exports cover only 16.3% of imports.
Comparing export data for Kosovar goods during 2022 with that of 2021, the figures show a yearly increase of 21.8%, a growth that further exacerbates Kosovo’s trade deficit. Meanwhile, data on merchandise trade for Kosovo’s imports in 2022 showed a yearly increase of about 20.4% compared to the previous year, 2021.
Circulation of goods in the foreign market
According to data on the main export groups: 23.11% consists of basic metals and articles thereof; 19.53% consist of various manufactured articles; 13.89% consist of plastics, rubber, and articles thereof; 11.30% consist of mineral products, 7.56% consist of prepared foods, beverages, and tobacco; 3.62% consist of vegetable products, etc.
Exports by major sector groups in value
Meanwhile, according to data on major import groups: 18.54% consist of mineral products; 11.58% consist of prepared foods, beverages, and tobacco; 11.08% consist of machinery and mechanical and electrical equipment; 10.52% consist of basic metals and articles thereof; 7.27% consist of means of transport; 7.15% consist of chemical industry products; etc.
Kosovo’s exports to EU countries
Kosovo’s exports to EU countries reached 311.8 million euros, or about 33.9% of total exports, with an increase of 31.1%. The main partners for goods exports to the EU were: Germany (9.5%), Italy (5.0%), the Netherlands (3.2%), etc.
Imports to Kosovo from EU countries were around 2.4 billion euros, or 42.4% of total imports, with an increase of 15.1%. Imports with higher shares were from: Germany (10.8%), Greece (5.5%), Italy (4.9%), etc.
Kosovo’s exports with CEFTA countries
Kosovo’s exports with CEFTA countries reached 333.6 million euros, or 36.2% of total exports, with an increase of 19.8%. Major export partners from CEFTA countries were: North Macedonia (12.9%), Albania (11.1%), Serbia (6.8%), Montenegro (4.2%).
Imports from CEFTA countries reached 1.0 billion euros, or 17.7% of total imports, with an increase of 12.1%. The countries with the highest participation in imports were: Serbia (6.6%), North Macedonia (5.0%), Albania (4.5%).
Kosovo’s exports with other world countries
Kosovo’s exports with other world countries reached 275.1 million euros, or 29.9%. The most important partners from these countries for exports were: USA (14.8%) and Switzerland (7.6%).
Imports to Kosovo from other world countries reached 2.2 billion euros, or 39.9%. The countries with the highest participation in imports in this group were: Turkey (14.9%) and China (9.7%).
