Greece and China's Economic Relations Revitalized for 2026

Greece and China are entering 2026 with revitalized economic ties, marked by a dynamic rebound in Greek exports, persistent Chinese investor interest, and burgeoning tourism cooperation. Data from the Beijing Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs' 2025 Annual Report indicates a positive outlook, despite a significant trade deficit favoring China. Bilateral trade surpassed 7.18 billion euros in 2025. Greek exports to China saw a remarkable 68.1% increase, reaching 697.2 million euros from 414.6 million euros in 2024. Concurrently, imports from China decreased by 6.6% to 6.48 billion euros, narrowing the trade deficit by approximately 740 million euros. Petroleum products led the export surge, accounting for 40% of total Greek exports to China with a 1,972% increase. Pharmaceutical products followed, with exports of 102.7 million euros, a 44% rise, underscoring the Greek pharmaceutical sector's strength in the Chinese market. Marble, precious metal ores, and copper products also contributed significantly to exports. The report highlights potential for Greek olive oil, fruit juices, dairy, and high-tech products, benefiting from China's expanding middle class. Investment prospects remain strong, with Chinese capital flowing into infrastructure, energy, logistics, telecommunications, and real estate. The Golden Visa program is a primary channel for Chinese investment, with 8,607 out of 15,115 residency permits granted to Chinese citizens since 2013. Chinese investors accounted for over half of the program's participants, contributing 4.47 billion euros in investments during 2023-2024 alone. Tourism is poised for significant growth in 2026, identified as a major opportunity for the Greek tourism sector. Chinese tourist arrivals recovered to 95,311 in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels of approximately 164,000 in 2019, signaling a strong return of the Chinese market. Chinese travelers primarily visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, the Aegean islands, Crete, Delphi, and Olympia.