Albania’s agriculture is experiencing a remarkable upswing: within a decade, the country’s agricultural exports have almost quadrupled.

According to public broadcaster RTSH, exports of agricultural products rose from €87 million in 2013 to €350 million in 2023 – growth that underscores the agricultural sector’s growing international competitiveness.

Products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, medicinal plants and olive oil are particularly in demand and are now sold not only in the region but also in Western and Central European markets. According to the RTSH report, this development is due in no small part to government measures: the government in Tirana has made targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure, set up support programs, and improved quality standards to assist exporters.

Another boost for foreign trade in agricultural products came from Albania’s increased connectivity to international markets. Albanian Agriculture Minister Frida Krifca had already emphasized in 2023 that trade agreements and rapprochement with the European Union had opened up new export opportunities – an effect that is now also reflected in the figures. Demand for certain Albanian products has risen significantly, particularly in countries such as Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

Despite all the progress, RTSH also sees challenges: small and medium-sized enterprises continue to have difficulty accessing modern technologies and financing, and there is also a need to catch up in logistics and supply chains, for example in cooling infrastructure for fresh produce. Certification to EU standards is also an obstacle for many producers on their way to new markets.

Nevertheless, the trend is clear: the enormous increase in agricultural exports within a decade shows that Albanian agriculture is well on its way to establishing itself as an important economic factor and stable export sector. As RTSH summarizes, this is a “visible sign of the growing strength of the rural sector.”