FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Imports of textiles and footwear decreased significantly last year, reflecting a significant change in consumer behavior due to rising living costs and the country's demographic dynamics.
According to official INSTAT data, imports of clothing and footwear reached 86.4 thousand tons in 2025, a 9% decrease compared to 2024.
According to market players, the main reason is related to population shrinkage. In 2025, Albania's official population was 2,363,314 inhabitants with a contraction of about 27,628 people within one year, or –1.2%, the highest rate in the region. Compared to the 2011 Census, the contraction is more than 17%. The strongest decline is in the age group up to 30 years, which is mainly due to high emigration and a decline in birth rates.
Retailers attribute the decline in demand for clothing and footwear to the fact that Albania has fewer people to clothe and shoe as active age groups and those who spend more on fashion are leaving for the European Union. The domestic market is left with an aging population, which has different consumption priorities and a lower need for frequent clothing purchases.
In addition to demographics, the other blow comes from the increase in other costs such as food, rent and housing. Higher prices have forced Albanian families to review their spending list. In an environment where inflation has eroded purchasing power, clothing and shoes have moved from the category of immediate needs to that of expenses that can be postponed.
Consumers are choosing, making do with existing purchases or orienting themselves towards the used market, while the family budget goes mainly for survival, food, energy, water, etc.
Traders claimed that the decline would have been even greater if it were not for the effect of tourists. Retailers of clothing and accessories in shopping malls have claimed that 10%-15% of daily turnover is realized by tourists. They usually buy cheap things to use while they are in Albania./ Monitor
Lini një Përgjigje