Exports decreased in March as they were reduced by EUR 359.8 million or -8.4% and were only € 3.94 billion versus € 4.30 billion in the same month of 2024. However, with the exception of petroleum oils, we have an increase (6.7%), with exports reaching € 3.22 billion from € 3.22 billion. 203.1 million euros.

The above arises from the analysis of the Panhellenic Association of Exporters and the Center for Export Research and Studies (KEEMs) on the provisional elements of EL-STAT.

Furthermore, imports were expanded in March 2025 (3.8% or 253.5 million euros) and reached EUR 6.97 billion versus EUR 6.72 billion in the same month of the year 2024. Except for petroleum, imports of goods were € 5,52 billion from EUR 5,52 billion from EUR 5,52 billion. by 4.8%.

As a result of the above moves, the trade deficit magnified in the EUR 613.3 million or 25.3%, at EUR 3.04 billion from EUR 2.42 billion in 2024. Without petroleum, there was a very low increase in the trade deficit, by EUR 51.5 million (EUR 2.3).

The January-March period

In terms of exports, a total of 12.34 billion euros from € 12.34 billion declined slightly by January -March, which was reduced by € 212.8 million compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

Without petroleum, exports for the quarter of 2025 stood at € 9.30 billion from € 8.64 billion, ie € 660.1 million or 7.6%.

Imports (including petroleum) in January -March 2025 increased slightly, as they expanded by EUR 79.2 million or by 0.4%, with their total value being EUR 20.42 billion versus € 20.34 billion during the corresponding period of 2024. EUR 15.75 billion from € 15.16 billion, ie € 590.5 million or 3.9%.

As a result of the above, the trade deficit in the first quarter of 2025 was magnified by EUR 292 million or 3.6%, to EUR 8.29 billion from EUR 8 billion in 2024. -1.1%.

The course of exports by geographical area

Regarding the course of exports by geographical areas, in March 2025, there is a decline in missions to EU countries (-2.7%) and a significantly higher decrease in third countries (-15%). However, when the oil is excluded, the image is changing, exports to EU countries rise (4.8%), as well as exports to third countries (10.4%), compared to the corresponding Persian month.

Regarding the percentage of exports directed to the markets of EU member states, including petroleum, this increased by about 3.5 points and reached 57.5% versus 54.2% compared to the corresponding month in 2024. 45.8%. Without petroleum, the share of exports to EU countries stands at 64.9% and third countries at 35.1%.

Looking at the distribution of exports for January -March 2025, it is found that the total value of exports, including petroleum, expanded to EU countries by only 1.6% and to third countries fell by -5.8%. Without petroleum, exports increase both to EU countries (6.9%) as to third countries and even more intense (9.1%).

The course per branch

In terms of large product categories, in March 2025 there are increasing trends in 6 of the 10 main product sectors.

Specifically, percentage rise is recorded in the following categories: Food (13.1%), Industrial (20.6%), Chemicals (6.4%), Raw Materials (2.9%) and Drinks & Smoke (15.4%), compared to last March.

Expanded, however, those of oil (5.2%) also appear compared to the corresponding month of 2024.

On the contrary, the exports of the category, petroleum-café (-42%) are deeply reduced, with the result that they are no longer the main product category, machinery (-1.3%), various industrial (-3.7%) and low-export value of confidential products (-85.2%).

Looking at the quarter of January-March 2025, exports of 3 from only 10 major product categories decline: Petroleum-Coast (-18.4%), Machinery (-2.1%), and the smallest value exports of confidential products by -81.1%.

At the same time, however, those of food (14.1%), industrial (15.3%), chemicals (1%), various industrial (4.4%), raw materials (3.7%), drinks & tobacco (+14.8%) and oil (0.9%), are increasing compared to the first quarter.

The president of the Panhellenic Exporters Association, Alcibiades Kalambokis, commenting on the above stated: “Third consecutive month, March, in which Greek exports, without petroleum products, record an increase. In January 9.9%recorded 5.8%in February and 6.7%in March, compared to the same month. A great surprise is the ranking of foods in the first place, with an increase of 13.1% and the slide (-42%) of petroleum exports, resulting in second place, compared to March 2024, but continuing the increasing course of imports, both with oil and oil.

In the first quarter of 2025, for Greek exports, without petroleum, it closes with a positive sign (7.6%) and in line with the lower increase in imports (3.9%) our commercial deficit was reduced by (-1.1%). “