Exports rose and the trade deficit shrank in the first half of the year, data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) show.
The total value of exports in the first half of the year was €27.63 billion, a 14.6% rise from the same period last year, when it was €24.11 billion. Imports also rose, but at a slower pace, with total value at €43.67 billion, compared to €41 billion in 2025 (6.5%).
Greece has always run trade deficits, but the ratio of exports to imports improved to 0.657 from 0.553, the Exporters’ Association said. Excluding refined petroleum products, it improved from 0.535 to 0.605.
The energy crisis helped refinery product exports, which shot up nearly 40%. Significant gains were also made in exports of raw materials (20.6%) and machinery (11.6%). Lower olive oil prices led the value of exports to drop 18.5%.
