Greek exports gain ground on European rivals, boosting market share

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Greek exports are demonstrating resilience and a competitive edge against their European counterparts. A new study by the National Bank of Greece highlights that the country has increased or maintained its market share in a significant majority of sectors and regions, despite facing considerable geopolitical and tariff pressures.

While overall export growth for Greece in the first five months of 2026 was a modest 0.2% in real terms, this figure masks a more complex and optimistic underlying trend. The analysis, based on hundreds of millions of export flows, reveals that Greece has boosted or held its market share in 7 out of 9 geographical regions and 9 out of 11 industry sectors. Consequently, Greece's total share in European exports rose to 0.59%, up from 0.56% a year prior.

Food products emerged as a primary engine for export growth, accounting for three-quarters of the sector's increase and two-thirds of its market share gains. Key contributors included yogurt, kiwi, and strawberries, showcasing targeted strategies that convert volume and market share gains into sustainable commercial value. This success indicates that enhancing export competitiveness does not rely on a single formula but on tailored approaches.

Europe provided the main impetus for market growth, with continued penetration in Western and Eastern Europe offsetting pressures from the Middle East and North America. Although overall performance was subdued, the underlying strength of Greek exports is evident in their relative outperformance compared to European competitors, even in regions where Greek exports declined.