Greek exports to third countries up in 2012

Increased exports to third countries, with raw materials and farm/food products at the helm of export activity, Greek exports registered a new all- time record in 2012, with their value totaling 26.5 billion euros, up 5.9 pct from 2011, the Panhellenic Federation of Exporters announced.

Last year’s export performance was of particular importance given a decline of exports to EU member-states (-1.7 pct) which accounted for 60.9 pct of total Greek exports in 2012, down from 65.4 pct in 2011, and an 1.4 pct decline in exports of industrial products hit by the appreciation of the euro parity against the US dollar. 

The Federation estimates a 2-3 pct increase in exports this year, while the European Commission expects a 2.7 pct rise. The value of exports totaled 17.004 billion euros in January-December 2012 –excluding oil products-, up 5.1 pct from 2011 (16.183 billion euros). 

Exports to EU member-states fell 1.7 pct while exports to third countries rose by 17.8 pct last year. Exports to Eurozone states fell 2.3 pct and exports to the EU-27 eased by 1.7 pct in 2012. Greek exports to former Soviet states grew 21.8 pct, last year, exports to other OECD states (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey) rose 15.6 pct, exports to North America grew 11.4 pct, to the Middle East and Northern Africa were up 8.4 pct and to Balkan states were up 6.6 pct.

Source: capital.gr