ELSTAT: Trade Balance Deficit in Greece Up by 35.6% in April

In April, Greece saw imports surge by 19.8%, outpacing an 11.1% rise in exports, leading to a 35.6% increase in the trade balance deficit, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

Export values reached 4.467 billion euros, up from 4.019 billion euros in April 2023, marking an 11.1% rise. Excluding petroleum products, exports grew by 17.0%, and by 17.1% when excluding both petroleum products and ships.

Imports in April totaled 7.480 billion euros, compared to 6.242 billion euros in April 2023, reflecting a 19.8% increase. Excluding petroleum products, imports rose by 20.5%, and by 20.6%) when excluding both petroleum products and ships.

Consequently, the trade balance deficit for April 2024 was 3.013 billion euros, up from 2.222 billion euros in April 2023, a 35.6% increase. Excluding petroleum products, the deficit grew by 507 million euros (25.3%), and by 504 million euros (25.5%) when excluding both petroleum products and ships.

Regarding the first four months of the year, the total value of exports from Jan. to April 2024 amounted to 16,805.7 million euros compared to 17,872.0 million euros during the same period in 2023, showing a decrease of 6.0% in euros.

The trade balance deficit for the period Jan. to April 2024 amounted to 10,997.1 million euros compared to 9,557.2 million euros during the same period in 2023, showing an increase of 15.1% in euros. The corresponding figure excluding petroleum products showed an increase of 17.3%, and the figure excluding both petroleum products and ships increased by 16.6%.