Citrus fruit market in Albania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Albanian citrus fruit market volume fluctuated, peaking at 112 thousand tons in 2020. The initial production growth in 2018 was supported by a national focus on food security and agricultural export promotion. However, in 2019, the market contracted to 102 thousand tons as logistical constraints, including a shortage of warehouses and refrigerated transport, limited the effective supply to the domestic market. By 2020, a systematic rise in fruit prices stimulated both local production and imports, driving the market volume recovery.

From 2021 to 2023, market dynamics remained volatile. In 2021, despite Albania positioning itself as a notable European citrus producer, challenges in harvest coordination and export market access led to increased overseas shipments. Partnerships between local gatherers and traders facilitated this export growth, but domestic consumption slightly declined. The following year, production continued to expand even as discussions highlighted the need for improved planting material certification to meet international standards. In 2023, a short domestic production season coupled with steady consumer demand boosted imports significantly, yet even stronger export growth reduced the domestic market volume to 101 thousand tons.

Production citrus fruit in Albania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Albania's citrus fruit production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 98 402 tonnes of citrus fruit, marking a moderate increase of 4.9% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of Albania's citrus fruit production declined in 2020. Output was valued at 27 225 thousand US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 6.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 8.3%, with an average annual rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 29 132 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Albania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Albania

Exports in kind, t

The export market for citrus fruit from Albania showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 6 467 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 11 973 tonnes, representing a 1.9-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Albania exported 11 039 tonnes of citrus fruit, reflecting a gradual decline of 7.8% from 2019. The largest decrease was recorded in 2018 at 20.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 85.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia was the primary destination for Albania's citrus fruit exports, accounting for 91.9% of total export volume.

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

Export values for citrus fruit from Albania experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 972 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 3 720 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.9-fold difference. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 054 thousand US dollars, representing a reduction of 17.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 88.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia remained Albania's dominant export partner for citrus fruit in value terms, capturing 86.8% of total export flows, while other markets accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Albania

Imports in kind, t

Albania imported 24 758 tonnes of citrus fruit in 2020, representing a 21.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 30.4%, with an average annual rate of 9.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 9.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Greece was the main supplier of citrus fruit to Albania, accounting for 75.6% of total import volume, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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

In 2020, Albania's imports of citrus fruit were valued at 12 992 thousand US dollars, showing a 20.0% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 23.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece accounted for 70.1% of the total value of citrus fruit imports to Albania, with the remaining flows distributed among multiple smaller partners.

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

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