Albania**;s apparel imports surged by nearly ** per cent during January–July ****, potentially supported by higher disposable incomes resulting from wage increases and favourable exchange rates that made imported clothing more affordable for consumers. However, apparel exports remained largely stagnant amid uneven demand from major European markets, highlighting a divergence between domestic and external market conditions. China emerged as the major contributor to import growth, while Germany recorded a sharp decline in purchases of Albanian apparel.
Albania**;s apparel imports increased by **.** per cent to $***.*** million during the first seven months of ****, compared with $***.*** million in the corresponding period last year. In contrast, apparel exports marginally declined by *.** per cent to $***.*** million from $***.*** million. Consequently, the country**;s apparel trade surplus narrowed by approximately ** per cent to $***.*** million from $***.*** million, according to sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.
China emerged as the major driver of import growth, with apparel shipments to Albania surging by **.** per cent to $**.*** million from $**.*** million a year earlier. China**;s share in Albania**;s apparel imports increased sharply to **.** per cent from **.** per cent, indicating its growing importance as a sourcing destination. China accounted for ** per cent of the overall increase in apparel imports.
