Records set Greek export in 2022, reaching 54.68 billion euros, compared with about 40 billion euros in 2021. But imports grew at a much faster pace, causing explosive growth trade deficitwhich has been at its highest level since 2007. This, of course, is due to the still strong addiction Greece from imports, as well as the fact that some imported goods are of greater value than goods exported from Greece. According to data released yesterday by Statistics Greece, 2022 ended with a 36.7% increase in exports compared to 2021, including oil products and ships. Excluding oil products and ships, the value of Greek exports in 2022 was 35.05 billion euros, an increase of 21.6% compared to 2021.

However, an increase in imports by 42.2% in 2022 compared to 2021, to 93.04 billion euros from 65.45 billion euros in 2021 (including oil products), led to a jump in the trade deficit to 38.37 billion euro, an increase of 50.7% compared to 2021 2021.

This is the third-largest level at which a trade deficit formed between 2004-2022 and the highest level since 2007. According to ELSTAT, the largest trade deficit was recorded in 2008, when it amounted to 44.3 billion euros, and the second largest was in 2007 at 42.54 billion euros. In 2008, imports were at the level of 65.5 billion euros, while exports were only 21.22 billion euros. As the country entered recession, imports fell below the €50 billion mark in subsequent years, while exports followed an upward trend, resulting in a reduction in the trade deficit. In 2022, there was an increase in exports in all key sectors. In particular, the following increases were noted: for petroleum products – 78.7%, oils – 43.4%, industrial goods – 30.1%, confidential goods – 28.7%, cars – 28.2%, drinks and tobacco – 24 .4%, live food – 17.6%. animals, 6.7% in chemicals and 2.8% in raw materials.