Greece, the world’s second-largest exporter of table olives, is facing growing pressure in international markets after a record-breaking 2025, with American trade policy, rising production costs and competition from lower-cost producers threatening one of the country’s most successful agricultural export industries.
More than 90% of Greek table olive production is exported to over 100 countries, according to the Panhellenic Association of Table Olive Processors, Packers and Exporters (PEMETE). Shipments reached a record 282,025 metric tons in 2025, valued at approximately €871.4 million. Between 2015 and 2025, export revenues increased by 115%, while volumes rose by 61%.
However, preliminary figures for the first half of 2026 show exports declining 2.25% in volume and 0.99% in value, reversing a decade of growth.
The industry’s international position is supported by United Nations trade data compiled by the World Bank. Under the harmonized customs classification for prepared or preserved olives (HS 200570), Greece exported $847.8 million worth of products in 2025, ranking second behind Spain, which exported $1.11 billion.
US imports exceed $240 million as tariffs threaten Greek exporters
The United States remains Greece’s most important overseas market for table olives, accounting for approximately 30% of the industry’s exports, according to PEMETE.
Official US import statistics reported through UN Comtrade show that American businesses imported $240.48 million worth of Greek prepared olives in 2025, representing approximately 41,394 metric tons. Greece was the leading supplier by import value in this customs category, ahead of Spain, whose shipments were valued at $227.01 million. Spanish exports were slightly larger by volume, totaling 42,867 tons.
Greek products accounted for approximately 34.4% of the $699.08 million in total American imports recorded under the category. Spain represented approximately 32.5%, followed by Italy with $76.43 million and Egypt with $45.97 million.
Despite the industry’s strong American presence, PEMETE reports that the value of Greek olive exports to the United States declined 6.6% in 2025 compared with 2024. During the first six months of 2026, exports to the American market fell another 1.7% in value and 1.1% in volume, according to the association.
Kostas Zoukas, president of PEMETE, warned that uncertainty surrounding US tariffs has complicated commercial planning and weakened the competitiveness of Greek products. He emphasized that the American market cannot easily be replaced, particularly because Greece’s traditional olive varieties occupy a distinctive position in consumer preferences.
The association has called for a more predictable trade framework, noting that Greek table olives were exempted from additional US tariffs introduced in 2019. The International Olive Council (IOC), an intergovernmental organization monitoring the global olive market, has documented fluctuations in Greek exports to the United States. Its historical trade reports recorded a 16.1% annual decline in Greek shipment volumes to the American market in December 2024, demonstrating that volatility preceded the latest trade tensions.
Growing competition and production costs challenge Greece’s position
Beyond the United States, Greek exporters face increasing competition in Australia and emerging markets.
According to PEMETE, Greece accounts for approximately 60% of Australia’s table olive imports by value, but Egypt’s market share has risen from 3.1% to 17.5% within three years.
Egyptian producers benefit from lower labor and production costs, creating pricing pressure for Greek exporters whose competitive advantages traditionally include quality, processing expertise, traceability and food safety standards.
International Olive Council statistics underscore the scale of global competition. The organization reported that Egypt produced approximately 750,000 tons of table olives during the 2023/24 crop year, compared with substantial but smaller production volumes in Greece.
Another concern involves the European Union’s trade arrangements with the Mercosur countries. PEMETE argues that proposed tariff provisions could disadvantage European table olives in South America while improving access for competing producers to the European market. Brazil is particularly important because its annual olive consumption is estimated at approximately 120,000 tons. The association has warned that unfavorable tariff arrangements could undermine European exporters’ access to this market.
Domestically, Greek producers and processors face higher energy, transportation, packaging and labor costs, alongside smaller and fragmented agricultural holdings.
PEMETE is seeking stronger coordination between producers, processors and exporters, along with increased investment in agricultural modernization and targeted promotion.
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