reciprocity is forgotten: Import of goods from Serbia again grows

Importing Serbia's products in Kosovo is continuing to grow every month. 88m euros as it was last month, importing goods from CEFTA countries has amounted to 100m, while reciprocity as a measure has been forgotten as long as the Kurti Government.

According to Kosovo Statistics Agency data A The SK], Kosovo has imported 7.4 per cent of goods import from Serbia.

The ASS suggests that imports in July have increased by 26.9 per cent compared to last month, which was 5.1 per cent.

“Meanwhile, imports from CEFTA countries in August 2022 reached 100m euros, or (19.0%) of total imports, with an increase of (26.9%). The countries with the highest share in import was: Serbia (7.4%), Macedonia (5.5%), Albania (4.1%)”, said in the ASS report.

Furthermore, the AKS says Kosovo imports from EU countries were around 213.2m euros, or 40.5 per cent of total imports, with a 20.2 per cent increase. Imports with high turnout were from: Germany 9.5 percent, Greece 8.7 percent, Italy 3.8 percent, and Slovenia 3.4 percent.

Kosovo's imports with other countries, Turkey at 13.6 per cent and China 10.1 per cent.

And of this number, according to the AKS, these products were most imported:

“While according to key import group data, it makes up: (22.9) mineral products, (12.2%) prepared food, drink and tobacco, (10.5%) machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment, (9.3%) basic metals and articles from them, (6.4%) plastic, rubber and articles from them, (6.3%) chemical industry products (6.0%), etc.”, reported in the ASC report.

Also, according to AKS data, Kosovo has imported 88.4m euros in July.

In the list of countries, Serbia leads with the highest import of 7.4 percent, second northern Macedonia by 4.5 percent and third Albania by 4.8 percent.

“Meanwhile, imports from CEFTA countries in July 2022 reached 88.4m Euro, or 17.6% of total imports, with an increase of 5.1%. The countries with the highest share in import was: Serbia (7.4%), northern Macedonia (4.5%), and Albania (3.8%).”, says the ASC report for July 2022.

Even last month (June) and nearly every month Serbia conquers Kosovo with goods.

Reciprocity

Because of the importation of Serbian goods, in Kosovo, Kurti Government has been required to establish the measure of reciprocity.

Reciprocity was the prime minister's promise, Albin Kurti before coming to power, but after coming, Kurt didn't make any moves in this regard. Reciprocity is forgotten.

Politologist Shkodran Ramadani, over the failure to establish reciprocity, has sharply criticised Kurti Government, calling it “chronic fraud grouping”.

Ramadanin in his Facebook writing says the government probably has put reciprocity on Albania, as import from this country is dropping every month.

Two graphics that illustrate the truth about this government. Import from Serbia to break records every month. Import from Albania tou fell every month. But I'm afraid to place reciprocity on Serbia, to Albania. These promised to join Albania. You got a set of chronic fraud”, he wrote.

Even former Trade Minister Ismet Mulaj in a statement on Nacional given a few weeks ago has said he supports reciprocity against Serbia, as this state since the post-war has caused losses to Kosovo businesses.

“Of course, I support any action that leads to reciprocity, not only with Serbia, but with all those blocking our producers. Serbia has been post-war losing Kosovo's business by creating different barriers. Except that it doesn't recognise a host of certificates issued by our institutions, it creates other strange barriers just to demoralise Kosovo producer”, he has said.

Furthermore, Mulaj emphasises that Kurti Government must keep promises with which it has won the elections, and one of the promises is reciprocity with Serbia.

Otherwise, Kosovo during 2021 has imported goods from Serbia worth 305m and 398m euros.

To remember, these days AK has been criticised because of allegations of numbers manipulations.

Members of opposition parties have said the AK is changing the data.

We remember that from June, the AKS from the Ministry of Finance had moved to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, in terms of importing Serbian products into Kosovo, the Kurti Government's reaction remains to be seen, but by that time “use your own”.