Trade receives the largest share of business loans/ Growth was also driven by tourism and services sectors in March
New business credit continued to grow in March 2026, confirming that corporations remain one of the main drivers of lending expansion in the economy. According to data from the “Bank of Albania”, new credit to private non-financial corporations reached 27.24 billion lek in March, up from 25.48 billion lek in the same month a year earlier, or 6.9% more.
The largest share of new borrowing was held by wholesale and retail trade, including vehicle repair, which attracted 10.3 billion lek in loans during March. Compared to the same period last year, this sector has increased by 48.5%, remaining the main segment of financing for businesses.
The electricity, gas and steam supply sector also recorded very strong growth, with new credit reaching 2.8 billion lek, or 354% more in annual terms. Accommodation and food services also showed positive performance, with 2.17 billion lek and an increase of 92.2%, as well as information and communication, which expanded by 116%, reaching 969.8 million lek.
Several service sectors also showed significant expansion. Real estate activities reached 1.01 billion lek, an increase of 63.7%, while administrative and support services increased by 123.4%, reaching 562.2 million lek. Similarly, professional, scientific and technical activities expanded by 230.4%, while other service activities reached 2.06 billion lek, an increase of 66.6%.
On the other hand, some branches of the economy have shown a strong contraction in financing. The processing industry, which remains an important sector for the economy, recorded a decline of 35.6%, falling to 3.43 billion lek. Transport and storage also recorded a very strong contraction, with 88.1% fewer new loans compared to March last year. There was also a significant decline in the extractive industry, by 96.7%, as well as in financial and insurance activities, which contracted by 67.5%.
Overall, March data show a moderate increase in business credit, supported mainly by trade and the services sectors, while some traditional branches of the economy have shown a significant decrease in financing compared to a year ago.
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