Economic relations between Greece and China are gaining fresh momentum in 2026, with strong growth in Greek exports, continued Chinese investment and renewed tourism driving closer cooperation between the two countries.
According to the 2025 Annual Report by the Greek Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs in Beijing, bilateral trade exceeded €7.18 billion in 2025 despite Greece continuing to run a substantial trade deficit with China.
Greek exports to China rose by 68.1% to €697.2 million, up from €414.6 million in 2024, while imports from China fell by 6.6% to €6.48 billion.
The improvement reduced Greece’s trade deficit by approximately €740 million, marking a significant turnaround after years of widening imbalances.
Petroleum and pharmaceuticals lead export growth
Refined petroleum products recorded the strongest growth, with exports soaring 1,972% to €279 million, accounting for around 40% of all Greek exports to China.
Pharmaceutical products ranked second, increasing 44% to €102.7 million, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Greece’s pharmaceutical industry in the Chinese market.
Other leading exports included:
- Marble: €77.5 million
- Precious metal ores: €74.6 million
- Copper products: €21.8 million
The report also identifies olive oil, fruit juices, dairy products and high-technology goods as sectors with strong long-term potential as China’s middle class continues to expand.
Chinese investment remains strong
China continues to view Greece as an attractive investment destination, particularly in infrastructure, energy, logistics, telecommunications and real estate.
The Golden Visa programme remains a major driver of Chinese investment.
Between the programme’s launch in 2013 and the end of 2024, Greece issued 15,115 residency permits to foreign investors, with 8,607 granted to Chinese nationals—representing 56.2% of all Golden Visa recipients.
Investments linked to the programme totalled €4.47 billion during 2023 and 2024 alone.
Tourism emerges as major growth opportunity
The report identifies tourism as one of the most promising sectors for bilateral cooperation in 2026.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 164,000 Chinese visitors arrived in Greece during 2019.
After collapsing during the pandemic, arrivals recovered to 95,311 visitors in 2023, signalling the gradual return of the Chinese outbound travel market.
Chinese visitors continue to favour destinations including Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
Most travellers stay between five and eight nights, choose three- to five-star hotels, and spend up to €2,500 per trip.
According to the report, 80% of Chinese visitors purchase travel packages focused exclusively on Greece, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a standalone destination rather than part of wider European tours.
New travel trends
The report also highlights changing travel preferences among Chinese tourists.
Demand is increasing for independent travel, authentic cultural experiences, gastronomy, wellness tourism and themed holidays.
Business travel, retirement travel, destination weddings and Chinese television productions filmed in Greece are also expected to contribute to future tourism growth.
Officials believe expanded direct flights between Athens and Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, combined with stronger promotion through Chinese social media platforms, will further boost visitor numbers.
The report also recommends simplifying visa procedures and expanding electronic payment options, including Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay, to improve the travel experience for Chinese visitors.
With China home to the world’s largest middle class and millions of citizens seeking overseas travel and investment opportunities, the report concludes that 2026 presents significant opportunities for Greece to deepen its economic partnership with Beijing through trade, investment and tourism.