Albania has a rich tradition of agricultural exports, with a diverse array of products ranging from medicinal plants to fruits and vegetables. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), some of the most exported Albanian products include medicinal plants, tomatoes, cucumbers, quinces, olives, watermelons, cabbages, mandarins, sweets, and beverages. These products play a crucial role in the country's economy, reflecting both growth and challenges in recent years.
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| Albanian farmer preparing tomatoes for export (archive) |
Leading Export: Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants have emerged as Albania's top export, with raw organic products in this category reaching a value of $57 million in recent years. This marks a significant increase from 2019, when the exports were valued at $22.2 million. The doubling of value post-pandemic highlights the growing global demand for organic and natural health products, positioning Albania as a key player in this market.
Vegetables and Fruits: A Mixed Performance
Tomatoes are the second most exported product, generating $26.2 million in 2022. However, this represents a 9% decline from 2019, when tomato exports were valued at $28.7 million. In contrast, cucumbers have shown remarkable growth, with export values increasing by 130% from $9 million in 2019 to $22.5 million in 2022. This sharp rise underscores the adaptability and potential of Albanian agriculture to scale up production and meet international demand.
Watermelons also saw a significant surge in export value, rising by 175% to around $9 million in 2022 compared to 2019. Similarly, the combined exports of quinces and peppers reached $16 million, almost doubling from $8.9 million in 2019.
Challenges in the Export Market
Despite these successes, not all products have fared equally well. Cabbage exports, for instance, fell drastically from $25 million in 2019 to just $9 million in 2022. This decline indicates potential issues in production, market demand, or competition that need to be addressed.
Mandarins and apples were among the most exported fruits in 2022, with a combined value exceeding $16 million. This is a significant increase from 2019, when apples and strawberries led fruit exports at a combined value of $3.4 million. The shift in fruit export trends highlights changing market preferences and the adaptability of Albanian farmers to these shifts.
The Impact of Greenhouses
Studies indicate that Albania has considerable potential for vegetable production, particularly in greenhouses. The country's favorable climate allows for an earlier growing season, giving Albanian farmers a competitive edge by bringing their products to market nearly a month ahead of neighboring countries. This early market entry enables higher sales values, benefiting local farmers.
However, the agricultural sector faces substantial challenges, including a lack of support and high production costs. Despite the early market advantage, abundant production in neighboring markets can depress prices. For instance, greenhouse tomatoes currently sell for up to 35 lekë per kilogram, while farmers argue that a price of at least 70 lekë per kilogram is necessary to cover production costs.
Conclusion
Albania's agricultural exports showcase the country's ability to produce a diverse range of high-quality products. The significant growth in exports of medicinal plants, cucumbers, and watermelons highlights the sector's potential. However, the industry also faces considerable challenges, such as fluctuating prices and competition from neighboring countries. Addressing these issues through better support and investment can help sustain and enhance Albania's position in the global agricultural market.