Businesses increase supplies for the summer season/ Imports increase for the season, ships at the highest level since 2005
Albania appears to be entering the 2026 summer season more prepared, with a significant increase in imports in several categories directly related to tourism, beaches and marine activities.
According to data from the Institute of Statistics, in March 2026, imports of ships, boats and floating structures reached around 134 million lekë, marking the highest level recorded for the month of March since 2005. Compared to March 2025, when this category was around 77.8 million lekë, the value has increased significantly, signaling greater investments in maritime services and coastal tourism.
Strong growth was also recorded in imports of sun umbrellas, walking sticks and similar items, which reached 53.1 million lek in March 2026. This is the highest level recorded in about a decade, reflecting the expansion of supplies for beaches and tourist structures. A year earlier, in March 2025, this category recorded about 41.2 million lek.
Meanwhile, imports of straw, reed and cane products, widely used in summer furnishings, decorations and tourist structures, reached 5.3 million lek in March 2026. This category marked a decline compared to around 10 million lek in March 2025, although it remains at higher levels than many years ago.
Data shows that Albanian businesses, especially those related to coastal tourism, have started supplies before the peak of the summer season. The increase in imports of watercraft and beach equipment suggests positive expectations for the influx of tourists and the expansion of the tourist offer along the coastline.
We recall that the arrivals of foreign citizens in Albania returned to strong growth during March, after a weak start to the year. According to INSTAT, 609,363 foreign citizens entered in March, with an increase of 10.8% compared to March 2025.
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