Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) has published data on export and import flows for March 2017.

Data from Kosovo International Trade show a higher trade deficit of 11.2% in March 2017, compared to the same period of 2016, ie in the amount of 233,3 million euros, compared to the deficit of 209, 9 million euros in 2016. Exports covered imports by 11.8%.

Exports of goods in March 2017 amounted to 31,2 million euros, while imports 264,6 million euros, an increase of 22.2% for exports and 12.4% for imports compared to the same period of 2016.

According to the data of the main export groups: 43.2% of exports are made up of base metals and articles thereof; 12.2% are mineral products; 10.0% consists of prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco; 9.1% consists of plastics, rubber and articles thereof; 4.8% are plant products; 4.0% consists of leather and articles thereof, etc.

Whereas, according to the data of the main groups for import: 14.0% of imports constitute mineral products; 12.3% consists of machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment; 12.1% comprise prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco; 10.4% consists of basic metals and articles thereof; 9.4% consists of chemical industry products; 7.7% constitute the means of transport; 6.8% consists of plastics, rubber and articles thereof; 5.7% consist of plant products, etc.

Kosovo's exports to EU countries amounted to 7,6 million euros, or about 24.4% of total exports, with a growth of 37.8%. The main partners for export of goods in EU goods are: Germany (5.2%), Holland (3.6%), Great Britain (2.7%) and Bulgaria (2.4%).

Meanwhile, Kosovo's imports from EU countries were about 117,4 million euros, or 44.4% of total imports, with an increase of 18.8%. The highest imports were from Germany (12.7%), Italy (7.3%), Greece (4.4%), Poland (2.4%), etc.

Meanwhile, Kosovo's exports to CEFTA countries in March 2017 reached 14,3 million euros, or 46.0% of total exports, with a 37.4% increase. While the main partners for export from CEFTA countries are: Albania (16.6%), Macedonia (12.3%), Montenegro (7.7%), and Serbia (6.6%).

Meanwhile, imports from CEFTA countries in March 2017 reached 75,1 million euros, or 28.4% of total imports, with an increase of 17.4%. Meanwhile, the countries with the highest share of imports were: Serbia (14.6%), Macedonia (5.0%), Albania (4.7%) and B & H (3.7%).

Kosovo's exports with other countries reached 9,2 million euros, or 29.6%. Whereas, most important export partners were India (12.7%) and Switzerland (6.8%).

Meanwhile, Kosovo's imports with other countries amounted to 72,0 million euros, or 27.2%. Whereas, the countries with the highest import share were: Turkey (10.0%) and China (7.7%).

For more information on International Trade Statistics for January 2017, visit:http://ask.rks-gov.net/media/3190/external-trade-march-2017.pdf

Access to detailed data through ASKDATA platform: ASKDATA: http://askdata.rks-gov.net/PXWeb/pxweb/sq/askdata/askdata__External%20trade/?rxid=6bad64a2-4230-47f8- 9eda-0a6319b991f3