Greece reports rising exports and 25-year high in job creation

Greece has reported strong economic performance for the first seven months of 2026, characterized by rising exports and a tightening labor market.

According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority and the Panhellenic Association of Exporters, Greek exports reached €32.76 billion between January and July 2026, a 14.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. In July alone, exports rose by 15.9% to over €5 billion. While imports also grew by 7.2%, the trade deficit for the seven-month period decreased by 3.8% to €19.14 billion. Excluding petroleum products, non-energy exports grew by 6.9%.

Simultaneously, the Greek labor market reached a 25-year milestone. The balance of job vacancies and departures resulted in 323,136 new positions during the first seven months of 2026, the highest performance since 2001. The unemployment rate fell to 7.9% in July, down from 17.9% in July 2019. Labor Minister Niki Keramea noted that this progress includes increased participation from women and youth, stating that Greece has seen the largest reduction in unemployment among European Union member states.