The president of the Panhellenic Exporters Association has said that he followed with “mixed emotions” the announcement by US President Donald Trump of the latest US tariffs but acknowledged that exporters now have a clearer picture of the trade landscape.
Speaking on national broadcaster ERT, Alkiviadis Kalabokis noted that the sweeping tariffs – 25% on the auto industry and 20% on EU imports – excluded any exemptions, which Greek exporters had hoped for.
He noted that the US is Greece’s fifth-largest export market, accounting for €2.4 billion in 2024, and that Greece maintains a trade surplus of €260 million.
Greek agri-food products make up 30% of US-bound exports, with wine, olives and peaches gaining a strong foothold in the market, he said. However, Greek exporters have struggled to penetrate major retail chains, relying instead on the loyalty of the Greek American community.
Greek yogurt is thriving in the US market, while Santorini wines, although expensive, represent a powerful advertisement for Greek products, he said.
While the tariffs will drive up prices, Kalabokis said Greek exporters may reduce their profit margins to maintain competitiveness. The favorable euro-dollar exchange rate could also soften the impact.
Kalabokis called for stronger state support to enhance Greece’s global brand and help exporters expand beyond domestic markets.