January- May 2008: Custom authorities collect ALL 39.5 billion in custom taxes and excise duties

Tirana, June 16 – The Albanian custom authorities have revealed the financial results for the period January through May 2008. According to their data, the custom authorities succeeded in collecting ALL 1.947 billion, or five percent more than planned. Only during May 2008 did the customs authorities collect ALL 8.4 billion. The custom authorities collected, in total, ALL 39.533 billion in custom taxes and excise duties.
Data shows that the Albanians, despite increased prices, are not reducing their consumption. Data reveals that during the first five months of 2008 Albania imported almost the same amount of gas and diesel, 147,707 metric tons compared to 148,395 metric tons in 2007. During the period January through May 2008, Albania imported 2,501 metric tons coffee compared to 2,549 imported during the same period in 2007. During the same period 2008, Albania imported 1,419 metric tons of tobacco and cigars, or 15 percent more than during the first five months of 2007.
The total value of Albanian exports during the period January through May 2008 increased to ALL 48 billion compared to ALL 41 billion exported during the same period in 2007. The volume of exported goods reached 658,037 metric tons. However, the value of imported goods increased even more. The total value of imports for the period January through May 2008 was ALL 120 billion, or 13 percent more than during the same period last year. (Tirana Times Staff)