- In 2024 Greek olive oil exports came to 3,738 tons.
- Just 2.2% of US olive oil imports come from these exports; 8.3% of Greece’s overall exports come from these exports.
- More than negative news, global uncertainty affects the olive oil sector.
- Among Greece’s three main export markets, the US one ranks highest.
- Still hovering over trade, “Trump Tariffs” cause pressure on Greek manufacturers.
Many Crete growers are embracing the challenge right in front of them.
The Greek food industry has grown even in face of export challenges/
Greek olive oil has been vying for a piece of the enormous US market for years. With exports of packaged Greek olive oil predicted at 3,738 tons, a small 2.2% percentage of total US olive oil imports, 2024 marks. Indeed, that is roughly as obvious as a fly in a soup dish. Still, this small figure—that is, 8.3% of Greece’s overall olive oil exports—is not totally hopeless.
Exporting is not, however, all sunshine and calm seas. Industry insiders say that erratic market conditions do more damage than any real obstacle. “Uncertainty can feel worse than the problem itself,” said Panhellenic Association of Table Olive Producers president Kostas Zoukis. Not surprising. The roller-coaster journey of changing demand and intense competition means manufacturers seldom get time to catch their breath before confronting the next uphill struggle.
Survival’s Battle Among “Trump Tariffs”
Since the hated “Trump Tariffs” were implemented, Greek exporters have not had it easy. These policies raised expenses, which made businesses reassess their plans or, in some cases, just accept the losses and pray for better days. But hold your breath if you are hoping for the Greek government to come in and save the olive oil sector with magical remedies. Many manufacturers have chosen to handle affairs on their own skilled hands, avoiding the bureaucracy altogether.
In Crete, for instance, grab the hotshots. They are not gathered around waiting for officials to get to work. Rather, they have rushed to push their goods straight to the US. Maybe they have something here—cutting out intermediaries and appealing straight to American consumers more familiar with olive oil from Italy or Spain.
You ask, why bother? The US ranks among Greece’s three most important export markets here. It’s not only the place for burgers and Starbucks; American taste is starting to warm to Mediterranean cuisine. That door is worth knocking on, tariffs or none at all.
Important Learnables for 2025
- Though the olive oil narrative might not be romantic, here is reality:
- Greece yearly exports 45,000 tons of bottled olive oil. The US just nibbles 2.2% of that pie.
- Notwithstanding challenges, the food sector remains expanding. It appears strong given all those challenges.
- For Greece, the US is still vital; it’s a large market with great potential, even if it doesn’t hold red carpet events.
Greek producers will continue depending on ingenuity and relentless effort until some genius finds a way to avoid the levies or alter the trade laws. Who knows? Greece might simply provide olive oil on every American dining table with the correct plan. The secret to success can be patience, creativity, and presenting a better story to customers.
