Despite the significant imbalance in bilateral trade, new protocols and agreements are paving the way for stronger Greek exports of food and fishery products to the world’s largest food-importing market.
Greece–China economic relations are entering a phase of search for new export channels, with the agri-food sector emerging as a key growth area for Greek businesses. Although structural trade asymmetries persist, recent institutional developments and the signing of new protocols are creating conditions for greater penetration of high value-added Greek products into the Chinese market. Data from the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Greek Embassy in Beijing for 2025 highlight both the widening trade deficit in China’s favour and the potential for expanding Greek exports.
Trade flows and imbalance
China is among Greece’s most important trading partners. According to Chinese customs data in 2025, Greece ranked 51st among destinations for Chinese exports, which reached 11.28 billion dollars (9.77 billion euros), down 4.4% year-on-year.
On the other hand, Greece ranked only 106th among suppliers to the Chinese market. Greek exports to China amounted to 741.97 million dollars (642.5 million euros) in 2025, down 30.14% year-on-year. This underscores the need to strengthen outward-looking export strategies in sectors where Greece holds clear competitive advantages, particularly the agri-food industry. Despite the overall decline, Greece’s export profile in China remains anchored in minerals and quarry products, pharmaceuticals, ores, machinery and basic metals. At the same time, food, beverages and agricultural products are gradually gaining importance in the country’s export basket.
Food market in focus
China has been the world’s largest food importer since 2011, significantly enhancing opportunities for Greek producers. In 2025, Beijing prioritised food security, diversification of supply sources and stricter quality controls. Access to the Chinese market now requires full traceability, compliance with stringent sanitary standards and the existence of bilateral protocols allowing imports of specific products.
Against this backdrop, the gradual expansion of the Greece–China institutional framework in the agri-food sector is particularly significant. Following protocols for Kozani saffron and kiwifruit, a key milestone was reached in March 2025 with the signing of veterinary requirements for the export of Greek fishery products — both wild-caught and aquaculture — to China. This development opens new channels for one of the most outward-looking sectors of Greek primary production, creating the conditions for a stronger presence of Greek seafood products in a market of 1.4 billion consumers. In parallel, the EU–China agreement on the mutual protection of geographical indications — which includes six Greek products (feta cheese, ouzo, Kalamata olives, Chios mastic, Samos wine and Lasithi (Crete) olive oil) — further strengthens their protection and recognition in international markets.
Opportunities for Greek products
Recent trade data show dairy products as one of the most promising sectors. In 2025, Greek exports in this category reached 17.06 million dollars (14.8 million euros). This product remains a long-standing pillar of Greek exports to China, ranking 6th among exported products, despite a slight annual decline of 3.72% from 15.2 million euros the previous year.
By contrast, Greek yoghurt (HS 0403) remains at an early stage, with exports of just 60,170 euros (167th place). However, this reflects an emerging positive trajectory, given that total exports over the previous three-year period (2022–2024) did not exceed 100,000 euros. Olive oil (HS 1509) recorded a sharp increase of +120%, reaching 1.75 million euros. This performance ranked it to 21st place among Greek exports to China, recovering ground lost in 2024 when it had fallen to 795,000 euros. Wine (HS 2204) rebounded by 105% to 363,120 euros (100th place) after three consecutive years of decline.
The next step
China’s strategy to boost domestic consumption and diversify food supply sources is creating favourable conditions for Greek companies. However, capitalising on these opportunities requires long-term planning, investment in distribution networks, systematic promotion of Greek products and sustained institutional support.
E-commerce is also becoming increasingly important. With more than 1.1 billion internet users, China is the world’s largest digital market. Online platforms offer Greek companies access to millions of consumers without the high cost of building extensive physical distribution networks.
At the same time, rising demand from China’s middle class for high-quality, safe and healthy products is creating favourable conditions for Greek products associated with the Mediterranean diet, authenticity and high nutritional value.
Source: www.naftemporiki.gr
