Philenews

How Exposed is 'Made in Greece' to the Middle East Crisis?

Published March 3, 2026, 09:15
How Exposed is 'Made in Greece' to the Middle East Crisis?

The direct exposure of Greek exports to the Middle East crisis remains limited, according to available data. However, the major risk lies in the indirect effects on energy costs and shipping, which can affect the competitiveness of Greek products. Exports to countries in the region (Lebanon, Israel, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran) amount to 2.92 billion euros, but are not significant for the Greek economy. However, the analysis of exports shows that a large part of them concerns petroleum products. In Lebanon, 95.5% of Greek exports are related to fuels, and in Saudi Arabia 54.5%. Exports of food and industrial goods are lower. Significant risks to Greek export trade include rising energy costs and disruptions in shipping. A prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could increase gas and fuel prices, increasing production costs. Alternative sea routes will increase delivery time and transportation costs. The crisis in the Middle East is causing a temporary pause for Greek businesses that have set the specific region as a strategic expansion goal. The experience of the pandemic has shown how easily supply chains can be disrupted.