Greek Exports Reach €4 Billion in January – 18.6% Surge in Food Exports
Friday, March 28, 2025
Greek exports reached €4 billion in January 2025, recording an increase of 2.2% or €88.2 million compared to the same month in 2024, according to official data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) and processed by the IEES of SEVE. Correspondingly, imports rose to €6.9 billion, marking a 4.7% increase, which expanded the trade deficit to €-2.8 billion (+8.5%).
Of particular note is the dynamic performance of the food sector, which recorded an impressive surge of 18.6% or €115.1 million, emerging as the "flagship" of Greek exports for January 2025. Food exports appear to be strengthening significantly, despite overall uncertainty in international trade, demonstrating the resilience and quality of Greek products.
Beyond foods, exports of industrial products increased by €35.8 million (6.9%), raw materials by 23.4%, beverages and tobacco by 12.6%, and various industrial items by 7.8%. In contrast, significant decreases were recorded in machinery and vehicles (-8.3%), chemicals (-2.4%), fats and oils (-5.5%), and most notably in petroleum products, where the decline amounted to €104.4 million or 7.5%.
It is worth noting that, excluding petroleum products, Greek exports increased by 9.9%, reaching €2.96 billion from €2.69 billion last year, while imports also increased by the same percentage (9.9%), rising to €5.1 billion. Regarding destinations, 55.3% of exports were directed to EU member states, while 44.7% went to third countries.
Negative Inflation in Food Sector
A positive development is emerging in food inflation. According to ELSTAT data, the annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages for the period February 2024 - February 2025 is just 0.2%, compared to an overall inflation of 2.5%. Food inflation appears negative (-0.1%), with price decreases also observed in cleaning products (-5.6%) and personal hygiene items (-2.2%).
The positive trajectory of food exports, combined with the marginally negative inflation in the sector, is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Greek products abroad and provide support for households.
Source: FoodReporter March 12th 2025 #1365, page 6