Exports to Turkey quadruple in early 2011

TIRANA, May 23 – Albania’s exports to Turkey have registered the highest increase during the first four months of this year rising by up to four times compared to the same period last year. Latest INSTAT data show Albanian exports to Turkey rose to 5 billion lek between January-April 2011, up from only 1.2 billion lek a year ago. Meanwhile, imports from Turkey remained at the same levels compared to the first four months of 2010 remaining at around 8 billion lek. Along with Italy, Turkey is one of Albania’s main trade partners for the export of metal products, which account for 90 percent of total exports to Turkey. Last year, trade volumes with Turkey reached 37.7 billion lek, increasing by 24 percent compared to 2009. Turkey is one of Albania’s few constant trade partners– experiencing an overall increase in trade flows and keeping a constant share of 6% to total trade flows.