TIRANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Trade deficit in March reached 42 billion Albanian lek (around 440.2 million U.S. dollars) in March, increasing by 8.3 percent year-on-year, the country's Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) said on Wednesday.
Export fell by 21.0 percent in March to 33 billion Albanian lek, while import fell by 7.0 percent to 75 billion Albania lek. Heavier fall in export was believed to be caused mainly by weak overseas demands and weak euro.
Though total export in March suffered year-on-year decrease, export to North Macedonia increased by 98.5 percent, and export to Britain increased by 39.7 percent.
Importing was also weak in March, but imports from Germany, Turkey and China rose by 7.2 percent, 7.1 percent and 0.9 percent on an annual basis.
Export in the first three months of 2024 suffered a 22.3-percent decrease, caused mainly by drops in minerals, fuels and electricity, textile and footwear, as well as construction materials and metals. (1 U.S. dollar = 95.4 Albanian lek) ■
