Alliaceous vegetables market in Albania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, alliaceous vegetables production in Albania grew steadily, supported by the National Agriculture Support Scheme which financed the construction of 80 modern greenhouses across 12 municipalities. This subsidy program enabled farmers to increase output and adopt sensor-based climate control technology, particularly in regions like Fier and Berat. Rising consumer demand for fresh and organic produce further expanded the market volume.

Participation in international trade fairs and certification under GlobalG.A.P. standards strengthened export opportunities, although a 2021 pesticide scandal led to tighter controls through the Italian-funded SAFIAL project. The 2020 law on property ownership completion provided more stable conditions for agricultural investment, while continued greenhouse subsidies and consumption growth drove production upward through 2022.

A surge in vegetable imports of over 50% in some cases increased domestic competition in 2023, though export activity supported by the Processors Association maintained Albania’s regional market share. Harmonization of tax legislation and rising fuel prices began influencing logistics and production costs in 2024.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Albania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Albania's production of alliaceous vegetables has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 210.9 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 4.6% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 187.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 7.6%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase at 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Albania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Albania

Exports in kind, t

Albania's exports of alliaceous vegetables have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 4 648 tonnes, representing a 7.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 66.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Albania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Albania's alliaceous vegetable exports were Serbia, accounting for 25.6% of exports in kind, North Macedonia at 20.1%, and Bulgaria at 15.8%. Together, these three countries made up 61.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Albania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Albania's alliaceous vegetable exports in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 679 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 98%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Albania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the principal destinations for Albania's alliaceous vegetable exports in value terms were Serbia, with 31.7% of exports, Montenegro at 18.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 12.9%. These three countries jointly accounted for 63.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Albania in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Albania

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Albania imported 5 009 tonnes of alliaceous vegetables in 2020, down by 11.8% from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 160 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 29.8%. In contrast, 2019 saw the maximum import volume at 5 680 tonnes and the largest increase of 79.7%. Overall, there was a 1.8-fold variation between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Albania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia and China were the main suppliers of alliaceous vegetables to Albania, together accounting for 82.1% of total imports in kind. The remaining imports were fragmented across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Albania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Albania imported approximately 3 563 thousand US dollars worth of alliaceous vegetables in 2020, which was 4.2% lower than in the previous year. The minimum import value was recorded in 2018 at 1 801 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 27.5%. In contrast, 2019 saw the maximum import value at 3 718 thousand US dollars and the largest increase of 106.5%. Overall, there was a 2.1-fold variation between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Albania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the key partners for Albania's alliaceous vegetable imports in value terms were Serbia, with 52.9% of imports, the Netherlands at 22.9%, and China at 19.1%. These three countries jointly represented 94.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Albania in value, 2017-2020