Greek exports: Food leads growth as European markets drive expansion

Greek exports grew only 0.2% in the first five months of 2026, a sharp slowdown from the previous three-year average, driven primarily by food products and European markets. Greece still gained market share in most sectors and regions despite geopolitical and tariff pressures. Food exports, particularly yogurt, kiwifruit, and strawberries, contributed three-quarters of the sector's growth and two-thirds of its European market share increase. Yogurt expanded volumes and prices in Western Europe, kiwifruit diversified away from Italy into new markets, and strawberries grew share in both Eastern and Western Europe. The National Bank of Greece analysis concludes exporters face different binding constraints, whether access, scale, or value capture, requiring targeted strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Greece's overall share of European exports rose to 0.59% from 0.56% a year earlier.