Q1-2009 “Made in Albania” exports less than Q1-2007

TIRANA, June 4עMade in Albania” exports have suffered a 20% drop to just 6092 tonnes in the first quarter of 2009, statistics from General Directory of Customs showed. According to data, exports have suffered due to lower prices in international markets and a general shrinkage in trade volume as a result of the worldwide economic crisis. In Q1-2008 Albania exported 7612 tonnes of “Made in Albania” goods, while in Q1-2007 same exports totaled about 6270 tonnes.
Albania exports minerals, petrol, and medical plants. The ore sector has suffered the most from the crisis with prices of ferrochrome and copper have fallen by 50% in the last year and demand has dropped considerably. Only last month, many companies with concession at the Bulqiza mine suspended activity and others dropped their investments on enrichment plants.
Overall, Albanian exports totaled 245 thousand tones in the first quarter of 2009, 3% less than Q1-2008, where the biggest drop was registered in February.