Greek exports experienced a significant downturn in April 2025, the first month of implementation of new global tariffs. The total value of Greek exports for April 2025 stood at €3,834.3 million (approximately $4,312.6 million), a 14.5 percent decrease from €4,482.6 million ($4,823.1 million) in April 2024.
For the broader January-April 2025 period, total exports reached €15,975.1 million ($17,124.0 million), down 5.1 percent from €16,827.0 million ($18,266.2 million) in the same period last year.
Interestingly, when excluding petroleum products, exports for January-April 2025 actually saw an increase of 4.9 percent (€583.9 million). If ships are also excluded, the increase rises to 5.0 percent (€593.1 million) compared to the previous year.
Imports also decline, trade deficit narrows marginally
Total imports in April 2025 amounted to €6,674.9 million ($7,462.9 million), representing an 11.4 percent decrease from €7,532.5 million ($8,056.1 million) in April 2024. Excluding petroleum products, April 2025 imports decreased by 1.2 percent (€68.3 million). When both petroleum products and ships are excluded, the decrease for April 2025 imports was 2.4 percent (€137.6 million).
For the January-April 2025 period, total imports were €27,059.2 million ($28,857.9 million), a 2.9 percent decrease from €27,876.9 million ($30,075.8 million) in 2024. However, excluding petroleum products, imports for this period actually rose by 2.4 percent (€480.5 million). Excluding both petroleum products and ships, imports increased by 2.1 percent (€435.9 million).
The trade balance deficit for January-April 2025 showed a marginal increase of 0.3 percent, reaching €11,084.1 million ($11,733.9 million) compared to €11,049.9 million ($11,809.6 million) in the same period of 2024. When excluding petroleum products, the deficit decreased by 1.1 percent (€103.4 million), and by 1.8% (€157.2 million) when also excluding ships.
In April 2025 alone, the trade balance deficit decreased by 6.9 percent to €2,840.6 million ($3,150.3 million) from €3,049.9 million ($3,233.0 million) in April 2024. However, excluding petroleum products, the deficit in April 2025 saw a slight 0.7 percent increase (€18.4 million). If both petroleum products and ships are excluded, the deficit decreased by 2.0 percent (€49.9 million) compared to April 2024.
Main Greek exports
Greece has a diverse range of exports, but some key categories consistently dominate its trade profile. Based on recent data, the main Greek exports include:
Petroleum Products: This is by far Greece’s largest export category, accounting for a significant portion of its total exports. Greece refines crude oil and exports these products to various countries.
Pharmaceutical Products (Packaged Medicaments): Greece has a growing pharmaceutical industry, and packaged medicines are a substantial export.
Aluminum and Aluminum Products: Aluminum, particularly aluminum plating, is another significant export, reflecting Greece’s industrial output in this sector.
Agricultural Products: This broad category includes a variety of renowned Greek products:
-
- Olive Oil: Famous globally for its quality, Greek olive oil, especially extra virgin, is a strong export
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh and preserved fruits (like oranges, peaches, apricots, figs) and vegetables are exported
- Dairy Products: Greek cheeses, especially feta, are popular exports
- Fish and Seafood: Fresh and frozen fish are also important
- Wines: Greek wines are gaining international recognition, with diverse varieties
While traditional products like olive oil and feta cheese are widely recognized, it’s important to note that industrial products like petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and aluminum contribute a much larger share to Greece’s overall export value.
Related: Mitsotakis: No Sense in US Tariffs on Olive Oil and Feta as Greece Braces for Impact