SEBE: Rise in Exports and Improvement in Trade Balance

A significant increase was recorded in February 2025, according to preliminary data announced today (7.4.2025) by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) and processed by the Economic Research Institute of SEBE. Specifically, according to ELSTAT’s preliminary data, the total value of exports rose to €4,042.8 million, compared to €4,038.5 million in February 2024, with an increase of €4.3 million or 0.1%. Conversely, imports decreased by 7.7%, reaching €6,479.6 million in February 2025, compared to €7,021.3 million in February 2024. As a result, the trade balance improved by €546 million, or 18.3%. When excluding petroleum products, differences are observed. Exports increased by €169.7 million, or 5.8%, reaching €3,101.3 million in February 2025 from €2,931.6 million in February 2024. Imports, on the other hand, decreased by €138.1 million or 2.6%, reducing from €5,214.4 million in February 2024 to €5,076.3 million in the corresponding month of 2025. Consequently, the trade balance improved by €307.8 million, reaching -€1,975.0 million for February 2025. For the January-February 2025 period, exports reached €8,179.0 million, increasing by €131.9 million or 1.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Imports, conversely, decreased by €180.4 million or 1.3%, reaching €13,439.3 million. The above changes resulted in an improvement in the trade balance by €312.3 million, with a percentage increase of 5.6%. On a sectoral level, the food industry saw the largest increase in absolute terms, rising by €177.1 million (+13.9%), confirming steady growth in this sector. Similarly, the beverages-tobacco sector recorded the highest percentage increase, with €30.3 million (+14.3%), indicating strong dynamics in international markets. Industrial products also showed positive trends, rising by €76.9 million (+6.8%), as well as various industrial goods, which increased by €47.3 million (+8.7%), reflecting stable demand in these areas. Slight increases were also noted in raw materials, up by €3.8 million (+1.4%). In contrast, the petroleum sector had the largest negative impact on overall export performance, declining by €149.4 million (-5.8%), reflecting either lower international prices or reduced demand for Greek products in this sector. Negative trends were also seen in chemical products, down by €29.2 million (-2.8%), and machinery-vehicles, which fell by €18.2 million (-2.4%), possibly due to slowed industrial activity or reduced investment in equipment. Finally, the fats and oils sector showed a slight decline of €2.7 million (-1.3%).