Greece Seeks PDO Exemptions in EU-US Tariff Deal

The Greek government is awaiting the official signing of the EU-US tariff agreement, aiming to protect key national exports such as olive oil, feta, yoghurt, wine, and olives—products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Officials are also exploring alternative markets, including India and the Middle East, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonia

Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis noted the deal helps avoid a trade war and maintains EU-US unity but stressed Greece's preference for zero tariffs, saying even a reduced 15% rate remains burdensome.

Pierrakakis also urged the EU to address internal trade barriers, which he said act like "intra-European tariffs," particularly in manufacturing and services, reaching up to 45% and 110% respectively.

A study by the Greek Parliament’s Budget Office highlighted that 20 key sectors made up 76% of exports to the US in 2024, with major contributions from fossil fuels (€320M), olives (€100M), aluminum (€80M), and olive oil (€30M). The office recommended support measures for vulnerable exporters, including cost relief, workforce retention incentives, and market diversification efforts.