Imports increased by 2.5% between January and July 2024, compared to a 1.7% decrease in imports, resulting in a 9.6% increase in the trade deficit, according to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

In particular, the total value of imports in the period January-July 2024 amounted to €49,355.5 million compared to €48,161.0 million in the same period of 2023, showing an increase of 2.5% in euros. The corresponding value excluding petroleum products showed an increase of €1,142.2 million, i.e. 3.2%, and the corresponding value excluding petroleum products and ships showed an increase of €1,114.9 million, i.e. 3.1%, compared to the period January-July 2023. 

The total value of exports for the same period amounted to €29,965.5 million compared to €30,477.4 million  in the same period of the year 2023, showing a decrease, in euro terms, of 1.7%. The corresponding value excluding petroleum products showed a decrease of €585.3 million, or 2.7%, and the corresponding value excluding petroleum products and ships showed a decrease of EUR 565.6 million, or 2.6%, compared to the January-July 2023 period. 

Thus, the trade deficit in the period January-July 2024 amounted to €19,390.0 million compared to €17,683.6 million in the same period of the year 2023, showing an increase, in euro terms, of 9.6%. The corresponding figure excluding oil products showed an increase of €1,727.5 million, i.e. 12.1%, and the corresponding figure excluding oil products and ships showed an increase of €1,680.5 million, i.e. 11.8%.

In particular, the total value of imports in July 2024 amounted to €7,327.5 million compared to €6,893.1 million in the same month of 2023, showing an increase of 6.3% in euros. The corresponding value excluding petroleum products in the month of July 2024 showed an increase of €646.1 million, i.e. 12.5%, while the corresponding value excluding petroleum products and ships in the month of July 2024 showed an increase of 663.7 million euros, i.e. 13.0%, compared to the month of July 2023.

In the same month, the total value of exports amounted to €4,620.7 million compared to €4,352.8 million in the same month of the year 2023, showing an increase, in euros, of 6.2%. The corresponding value excluding petroleum products in the month of July 2024 showed an increase of €198.2 million i.e. 6.5%, and the corresponding value excluding petroleum products and ships in the month of July 2024 showed an increase of €182.9 million, i.e. 6.0%, compared to the month of July 2023.

Finally, the trade deficit in the month of July 2024 amounted to €2,706.8 million compared to €2,540.3 million in the same month of the year 2023, showing an increase, in euros, of 6.6%. The corresponding value excluding petroleum products in the month of July 2024 showed an increase in the deficit of EUR 447.9 million, or 21.1%, while the corresponding value excluding petroleum products and ships in the month of July 2024 showed an increase of EUR 480.8 million, or 23.0%, compared to the month of July 2023.