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Established in 1995 as the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the World Trade Organization (WTO) serves as the central institution that facilitates and regulates international trade among its more than 160 member countries. Over time, the scope of WTO agreements has expanded significantly, now covering not only trade in goods, but also services, intellectual property, agricultural products, and investment-related measures.The WTO plays a foundational role in setting global trade rules, monitoring compliance, and resolving disputes. These rules provide a predictable environment for cross-border transactions, which is particularly valuable for SMEs that need stability and clarity when entering new markets.
Overview & Trends
In 2024, Greek exports reached approximately €49.9 billion, showing a slight decline of –2.2% compared to 2023. Leading export sectors included food products, chemicals, and industrial goods.
Agricultural exports—notably fruits and vegetables—achieved record levels. Greece exported around 1.8 million tons in 2024, marking a 1.7% increase in volume and an over 8% increase in value, totaling approximately €2 billion. Kiwifruit was a standout product, generating more than €250 million in revenue. New trade agreements were signed with Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico.
In Q1 2025, Greek exports grew by 5.8% in March, reaching approximately €3.09 billion, despite ongoing global instability caused by war, rising energy costs, and raw material shortages.
The food and beverage sector maintained strong momentum with a 13.8% increase in Q1 2025 (an additional €273.2 million), driven by high demand for yogurt, feta cheese, and fish. Total exports increased by 9.9% when excluding fuels, and by 2.2% overall, including all goods.
The top 20 products made up 88% of total Greek exports to China in 2024, totaling approx. €289 million, down from €328 million in 2022. There are serious Growth Opportunities & Agricultural Prospects, as negotiations in Beijing aim to remove phytosanitary barriers for: Cherries, plums, apricots, citrus fruits, grapes, strawberries. Fish and seafood exports are to be defined under new trade protocols.
In the dairy sector:
The EU dominates with >60% share of China’s dairy imports, Greece holds a <5% share, but exports are growing in exponential manner. Greek dairy exports went from €584.4M in 2019 to €1.2B in 2023 as there is a rising demand for feta and graviera in urban Chinese markets. Despite US–China trade tensions, recent tariff reductions on select dairy products and a growing middle class boost prospects for high-quality Greek foods.
Investment & Strategic Collaboration:
China is Greece’s 3rd largest trading partner, with bilateral trade growing from US $8.47B (2019) to US $13.6B (2023). Greek exports rose +23.8% in H1 2024, but trade balance remains in China’s favor. Platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE) promote Greek premium goods, such as olive oil, wine, cheese, saffron and mastiha.
Strategic areas for cooperation:
Shipping & logistics (e.g., Port of Piraeus under BRI), Green tech (renewable energy, agri-tech, circular economy)
