Impact of trade agreements and international markets on the agricultural sector

The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the impact of trade agreements and international markets on the development of the agricultural sector, in particular on the case of Albania and Austria. The study aimed to identify the mechanisms through which trade agreements stimulate production, export orientation and cooperation in agriculture. The findings indicate that the reduction of trade barriers and tariffs contributes to a significant increase in the competitiveness of agricultural products on international markets. By simplifying export procedures and reducing trade-related costs, producers can better integrate into global supply chains, which provides access to new markets. This is especially true for countries with developed agricultural sectors, where tariff reductions allow them to expand their exports, increasing production volumes and improving product quality to meet international standards. It also improves the efficiency of the domestic market, stimulating innovation and investment in the agricultural sector, which in turn has a positive impact on the country’s overall economic development. In Albania, for example, trade agreements with the EU have increased exports, while Austria has gained access to significant subsidies through its participation in the EU’s common agricultural policy. In addition, structural changes in the agricultural sector under the influence of international trade have led to increased production efficiency in Austria and adaptation to new market requirements in Albania. The conclusions show that international trade not only opens new markets for agricultural products, but also stimulates technological development and integration of agricultural sectors into global economic processes