While Greece was not specifically singled out in the U.S. president’s announcements, the sweeping nature of the proposed measures against the European Union has raised fears that Greek products could soon be caught in the crossfire.
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is considering tariffs of up to 20 percent on EU imports in response to what he calls unfair trade practices by Europe. This escalation in trade tensions is particularly worrying for Greek producers who have spent years building a foothold in the highly competitive U.S. market. Exports of Greek wine, olive oil, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a variety of branded bakery goods and ready-made traditional meals have seen impressive growth in recent years. But that progress may now be at risk.
For Greek exporters, the threat is not just theoretical. Higher tariffs could translate into steeper prices for American importers and ultimately for U.S. consumers. In a market where price sensitivity is high and competition fierce, even small increases can have a big impact. Greek wine, for example, could struggle to maintain its market share if retail prices rise as a result of the new duties. Extra virgin olive oil, one of Greece’s flagship exports, could see demand fall as buyers look for more affordable alternatives.
Feta cheese and other PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) dairy products, which are valued for their authenticity and quality, could also lose ground to domestic or lower-cost European alternatives if tariffs inflate their prices. Kalamata olives, another staple of Greek exports with a well-established presence across the U.S., face a similar challenge.
Beyond pricing, there is also concern about the broader ripple effects on the supply chain. Many Greek companies have invested heavily in securing certifications, building distribution networks, and promoting their brands in the U.S. Any disruption caused by new trade barriers could jeopardize those investments and undermine years of work aimed at making Greek products a staple on American shelves.
