More purchases from China, Albanians place over 19.4 million mail-order orders in 9 months

To send or receive orders. We have all had at least one contact with the post office. The use of post offices has increased significantly in recent years, mainly in 2024, about 20 million orders were delivered by state and private entities.

For a long time, cooperation with online businesses has expanded the function of the post office beyond the exchange of letters. 19.4 million deliveries were made in 9 months in 2024 by individuals and businesses. An increase of 13% compared to the same period a year ago.

Data from the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority show that the Albanian Post dominates the number of deliveries made. In the third quarter of the year, deliveries from the Albanian Post reached 5.3 million, while the rest was provided by 24 private service entities with 1.3 million.

But what are Albanians using the mail for the most? "Usually for small household appliances, or home decor items, which we sell in bulk," Xhilda Lika, a representative of an online business, tells A2 CNN. "Usually girls' clothing, seasonal products..."

"Individuals mainly buy clothing and various accessories online, while businesses use postal services to transport these products to individuals," Denisa Dragoni, an entrepreneur in postal services, tells A2 CNN.

In the third quarter of the year alone, over 6.6 million postal items were sent and received by the Albanian Post and Postal Service Providers. From which countries are Albanians receiving the most orders? “Mainly from China and the European Union countries, Italy and Germany mainly,” says Dragoni.

Given that more private entities are operating in the postal market, what challenges is the sector facing? "Individuals and businesses that operate informally by not declaring their sales," says Dragoni.

Broken down by type of postal service, the highest percentage of 76% is occupied by the universal service provided by the Albanian Post, while the express service provided by private companies has increased by 19%. (A2 Televizion)