Bilateral trade between Greece and Italy amounted to 6.35 billion euros in the first half of 2026, up from 6.03 billion euros in the corresponding period of 2025, recording an increase of 5.4%.
According to provisional data from ELSTAT, included in an analysis by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Greek embassy in Rome, Greek exports to Italy strengthened significantly.
Specifically, they amounted to 2.45 billion euros, compared with 2.28 billion euros a year earlier, marking an increase of 7.46%.
Correspondingly, imports from Italy came to 3.90 billion euros, up from 3.75 billion euros in the first half of 2025, recording an increase of 4.15%.
Fuels, aluminum and dairy products at the top of exports
At the top of the Greek export “basket” to Italy are mineral fuels and mineral oils, with the value of exports amounting to 567.5 million euros, up by 82.2% from 311.5 million euros in the first half of 2025.
In second place is aluminum, with exports of 235 million euros, followed by dairy products, with 229.3 million euros, recording an increase of 25.3%.
In fourth place are fats and oils, with 187.1 million euros, despite a decrease of 35.7%.
They are followed by fish and seafood, with exports amounting to 183 million euros, up by 9.9%.
The top ten most important Greek export categories are completed by machinery and equipment, pharmaceutical products, plastics, copper and edible fruit.
Strong rise in fruit, copper and medicines
The increase in exports of fruit was significant, rising by 32.4% to reach 62 million euros.
Exports of copper increased by 27.1%, while 19.3% growth was recorded in pharmaceutical products and 17.9% in plastics.
However, the picture was not positive for all categories.
Exports of tobacco fell by 15.5%, of cereals by 22.5% and of electrical machinery by 22.6%.
The decline in articles of iron and steel was particularly large, where exports fell by approximately 81.8%.
What Greece imports from Italy
Italy continues to be an important source of industrial and technological equipment for the Greek market.
Imports of machinery and mechanical equipment, together with electrical machinery and appliances, amounted in total to 904.5 million euros, representing approximately 23.2% of Greek imports from Italy.
They are followed by vehicles and spare parts, with imports of 218.7 million euros, while pharmaceutical products amounted to 203.4 million euros.
Imports of mineral fuels from Italy were also up by more than 50%, reaching 189.8 million euros.
Trade deficit at 1.45 billion euros
Overall, the 20 main product categories account for approximately 90% of Greek exports to Italy.
The Greek export “menu” for the Italian market includes energy products, metals and industrial products, as well as dairy products, fish, fruit and pharmaceuticals.
On the other hand, Greek imports from Italy largely concern machinery, equipment, chemicals, medicines and manufactured products.
Despite the increase in Greek exports, the trade balance remains in deficit for Greece. The deficit stood at 1.45 billion euros, compared with 1.47 billion euros in the first half of 2025.
Source: ANA-MPA