"The announcement by the U.S. government regarding the imposition of 30% on European products starting August 1 is causing concern in the Greek business community. If implemented, this decision will pose serious challenges for Greek entrepreneurship and the European economy as a whole. It constitutes a direct blow to Greek export-oriented businesses and directly undermines the international competitiveness of key sectors of the Greek economy, particularly the agri-food sector", said the president of Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Ioannis Bratakos in a statement on Monday.
"The United States is one of the most dynamic markets for Greek products, with exports exceeding 2.4 billion euros and including high-quality, value-added goods such as olive oil, table olives, wine, and dairy products. Competition from third countries-not subject to equivalent tariffs-is expected to intensify, leading to immediate losses in market share for Greek products, particularly in categories where price is a decisive factor. At the same time, significant concerns are arising among U.S. importers, who are facing serious liquidity issues and are already readjusting their commercial strategies".
The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on the Greek government and the European Commission to intervene in a coordinated manner, aiming to reduce the level of tariffs through renewed negotiations, to ensure a level playing field with third countries, and to provide immediate support to export-oriented businesses through liquidity tools and commercial diplomacy.
At the same time, this situation once again highlights the need to develop and strengthen relations with new and emerging markets, such as China and India.
In this difficult juncture, supporting the extroversion and internationalisation of Greek production is not merely a priority-it is a matter of survival. The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains vigilant and stands by businesses, seeking solutions, building alliances, and advocating for a fair trade environment for Greece in the global market.