Greek exports to the United States rose 15.6% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €1.3 billion, but the increase was driven almost entirely by petroleum products, masking a 4.2% decline across the rest of Greece's export basket, according to a report by the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Greek Embassy in Washington, based on Eurostat data.
Excluding petroleum, exports fell to €895 million from €934 million.
Petroleum shipments alone nearly doubled, rising 98% to €445 million, driven by oil-based lubricants and preparations not containing biodiesel.
Several sectors posted gains despite facing steep U.S. tariffs. Aluminum products rose 27.5% to €125.7 million despite tariffs of 25-50%. Iron and steel products, which saw a 68.7% decline in the first quarter, rebounded 60.2% in the first half, reaching €54 million, driven by pipe and tube exports.
Copper products rose 18.8% to €17.9 million despite similar tariff rates.
Vehicle and parts exports surged 843.3% to €25.9 million, driven by a more than 1,000% jump in trailer and semi-trailer exports.
Dairy products rose 4.8% to €36.2 million despite a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on Lesbos, while seafood exports climbed 23.4% to €18.6 million, continuing a positive trend from earlier in the year.
Declines were recorded in processed foods (-37.3%), driven by a sharp drop in bakery products; aircraft parts (-61.9%); construction materials including Portland cement (-60.9%); and olive oil (-4%). Olives fell 4% to €90.8 million, while canned peaches dropped 23% to €29.9 million.