Greece sees higher West unemployment and 11% export gain in Q1 2026

Unemployment in Western Greece stalled its recent decline, rising to 13.1% in the first quarter of 2026, according to ELSTAT data. The increase represents a three‑percentage‑point jump from the fourth quarter of 2025 and continues an upward trend that has persisted throughout 2025, aside from a brief dip in the second quarter when tourism temporarily lowered joblessness.

During the same period, Greece’s total exports grew 11.3% year‑on‑year, reaching €17.7 billion for January–April 2026. The surge was driven primarily by petroleum products, which rose 35.9% in value (+€1.4 billion), and food exports, which increased 10.2% (+€309.7 million). Exports of raw materials and chemicals also posted gains, while imports grew more modestly, narrowing the trade deficit by about 1.8% compared with the previous year.

The combined data indicate a mixed economic outlook: rising regional unemployment alongside a notable rebound in external trade, especially in energy‑related goods.