Construction boom drives material imports to record highs/ Paints and refinishing products hit record highs in April
The high activity in construction, reconstruction and tourism investments is increasingly reflected in imports of construction materials. Data show that during April 2026, Albania recorded the highest historical levels of imports for both paints and coloring materials, as well as for stone, cement and similar materials.
According to official foreign trade data, imports for the group "Coloring and tanning extracts, putties and mastics, paints" reached around 640 million lek in April 2026, the highest level ever recorded since 2005. The previous record was recorded in July 2025, when imports reached around 603 million lek.
At the same time, imports of the group "Articles of stone, plaster, cement, mica and similar materials" also reached a historic record, rising to around 598 million lekë in April. For this category too, this year's level is the highest recorded in the last two decades.
The increase in imports suggests an expansion in demand for construction materials and finishes, at a time when the construction sector is continuing to invest in residential projects, tourist structures and reconstructions. Compared to April last year alone, imports of paints increased by about 15.6%, while stone and cement materials by about 8.4%.
After 2020, imports for these categories have entered a new phase of expansion. If two decades ago monthly imports of paints and coloring materials rarely exceeded 100-150 million lek, today they are reaching record levels of over 600 million lek.
The increase in imports comes at a time when construction remains one of the most active sectors of the Albanian economy. This is being directly reflected in the demand for finishing materials, paints and construction products, which are reaching record levels from month to month.
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