Alliance of Kosovar Businesses: This year will be among the most difficult for the economy and citizens

The Alliance of Kosovar Businesses warned that 2026 will be among the most difficult years for the economy, business sector and citizens of Kosovo, based on analyses of foreign trade trends in the first three months of this year and comparing them with 2025.

According to the Alliance of Kosovar Businesses, Kosovo is entering a phase of deepening dependence on imports, where local production faces a lack of support and strong pressure from foreign competition.

“The Alliance assesses that the continuous increase in imports and a trade deficit at historically record levels are weakening local production in the domestic market,” the Facebook post stated.

They expect imports to reach around eight billion euros this year, which, as they explain, means extreme dependence on imported goods, a massive outflow of money from Kosovo’s economy, and an economy based on consumption rather than production.

“If this trend continues, the trade deficit will deepen further, local producers will lose competitiveness, and unemployment and poverty in Kosovo will increase,” they warned.

In their view, the Government of Kosovo must take several concrete steps, including providing real support to domestic producers, developing a strategy for import substitution, reducing energy costs for businesses, increasing exports and domestic production, and introducing subsidies.

“It is time for action - not silence,” said Agim Shahini, President of the Alliance of Kosovar Businesses.