Greek exports to the United States rose sharply in the first half of 2026, reaching €1.3 billion—up from €1.2 billion in the same period last year. This represents a 15.6% year-on-year increase. However, the growth is heavily skewed by fuel exports: when petroleum products are excluded, Greek exports to the US actually declined by 4.2%, falling from €934 million in 2025 to €895 million in early 2026.
Fuel Dominates Growth — But Masks Weakness Elsewhere
Petroleum products alone surged 98% to €445 million—a dramatic jump that accounts for much of the headline growth. According to a briefing from the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Embassy of Greece in Washington, non-fuel exports dropped 16.7% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year—underscoring how reliant the overall figure is on energy shipments.
Resilience Amid Tariff Pressure
Despite facing steep U.S. import duties—ranging from 25% to 50%—several key Greek export categories posted strong gains. Aluminum products rose 27.5% to €125.7 million. Iron and steel exports rebounded dramatically: after plunging 68.7% in Q1, they surged 60.2% over the first half, reaching €54 million—including pipes and conduits, which hit €50.7 million. Copper products also recovered, climbing 18.8% to €17.9 million (from €15 million), despite similar tariff hurdles.
Food Exports Hold Steady
Dairy exports increased 4.8% to €36.2 million, with cheese shipments up 5%—notably, this growth occurred even as foot-and-mouth disease was reported on the island of Lesvos. Seafood exports maintained positive momentum, rising 23.4% year-to-date. In contrast, olive oil and other edible oils declined 4% to €37 million.
The data highlights both Greece’s growing trade footprint in the U.S. market and its vulnerability to commodity-driven volatility—especially as non-energy sectors continue to navigate protectionist trade policies.