Medicinal herbs top Albanian agriculture exports in Q1 2018

Agriculture exports have recorded a value of ALL 1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2018, with a slight decrease of 3.5 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

However, agriculture holds the second place in value after agro-industry, while fisheries and livestock rank third and fourth.

But what was the most demanded agricultural product from foreign markets during January-March 2018?

Official figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show that the list of products is topped by aromatic-medicinal herbs, which have recorded a total value of exports of ALL 782 million or 2793 tons.

However, compared to the same period of the previous year, it appears that exports of this product have decreased slightly by about ALL 29 million.

The aromatic-medical sector has a significant impact on the Albanian economy with 90,000 employed individuals, mainly in rural areas, significantly affecting unemployment reduction.

In order to increase exports, a few days ago representatives of this industry have asked the government to include a 10% reduction in profit tax for this sector in the 2018 fiscal package and also to register collectors of herbs as farmers.

2018 marked a good start for domestic production, as exports of agricultural and livestock products reached 6.3 billion ALL in total, increasing by 22.8% compared to the same period a year ago, or ALL 1.2 billion more.

SCAN