The lower prices of fuel products in the first five months of 2025, compared to last year, led to a significant reduction in the trade deficit. However, if petroleum products are excluded, then a marginal increase in the trade deficit is recorded at a five-month level, while the increase was higher in May.
According to Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data published on Tuesday, the total value of imports, including fuel products, fell in May to 6.46 billion euros from €7.58 billion, decreasing 14.7%. Excluding petroleum products it rose year-on-year by €372.8 million, or 7.2%.
The total value of exports, including petroleum products, stood at €4.17 billion, from €4.23 billion in May 2024, down by 1.3%. The trade deficit, including fuel, amounted to €2.29 billion in May, against €3.35 billion in May 2024, falling 31.6%.
In the five-month period from January to May 2025, the total value of imports fell 5.3% to €33.56 billion, while exports eased 4.3% to €20.15 billion.
Therefore, the trade deficit in January-May, including petroleum products, amounted to €13.4 billion, recording a yearly decrease of 6.9%. Excluding fuel showed it rose by €31 million, or 0.3%.