Greek table olive exports are facing mounting pressure in international markets after a record-breaking 2025.
Exports reached 282,025 metric tons in 2025, valued at approximately €871.4 million. Between 2015 and 2025, export revenues increased by 115%, while volumes rose by 61%. Data from the Panhellenic Association of Table Olive Processors, Packers and Exporters (PEMETE) indicates that over 100 countries receive upwards of 90% of total Greek table olive output.
However, early estimates for the initial six months of 2026 point to a 2.25% drop in export volume alongside a 0.99% decrease in value. The United States remains the most important overseas market, accounting for about 30% of exports.
According to official US import data via UN Comtrade, American purchasers bought $240.48 million in prepared olives from Greece throughout 2025. Surpassing Spain—whose shipments reached $227.01 million—Greece took the top spot for import value within this customs category.
US tariffs reduce value of Greek olive exports
PEMETE notes that even with a strong presence in America, the financial worth of Greek olive shipments to the US dropped by 6.6% in 2025 relative to 2024. Shipments to the American buyer base saw a further drop during the first half of 2026, declining by 1.7% in financial value and 1.1% in physical volume.
Uncertainty surrounding US tariffs has complicated commercial planning and weakened the competitiveness of Greek products. Greek table olives were exempted from additional US tariffs introduced in 2019.
“The American market cannot easily be replaced, particularly because Greece’s traditional olive varieties occupy a distinctive position in consumer preferences,” Kostas Zoukas, president of PEMETE, told greekreporter.com.
Historical trade reports from the International Olive Council recorded a 16.1% annual decline in Greek shipment volumes to the American market in December 2024. That drop demonstrated that volatility preceded the latest trade tensions.
Egyptian competition and rising costs challenge Greek exporters
Beyond the United States, Greek exporters face increasing competition in Australia and emerging markets. Greece accounts for approximately 60% of Australia’s table olive imports by value.
Egypt’s market share in Australia has risen from 3.1% to 17.5% within three years. Egyptian producers benefit from lower labor and production costs, creating pricing pressure for Greek exporters.
International Olive Council statistics show that Egypt produced approximately 750,000 tons of table olives during the 2023/24 crop year. Domestically, Greek producers and processors face higher energy, transportation, packaging, and labor costs.
PEMETE has also expressed unease regarding the European Union trade agreements involving Mercosur nations. South American trade terms could put European table olives at a disadvantage while simultaneously granting rival producers better entry into the European market.
Brazil market access requires stronger coordination and investment
Brazil remains a critical destination, with annual olive consumption estimated at approximately 120,000 tons. Unfavorable tariff arrangements could undermine European exporters’ access to that market.
PEMETE is seeking stronger coordination between producers, processors, and exporters. The association also wants increased investment in agricultural modernization and targeted promotion.
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