When the U.S. imposed fresh tariffs on European Union agricultural goods this month, one unexpected casualty emerged: Greek olives.
Olives have long been a cornerstone of Greece's agricultural exports to the United States, renowned for their distinct flavor and high quality. But the recent tariff hike, which boosts duties by several percentage points, is now squeezing profit margins and throwing export plans into disarray.
"Orders from U.S. buyers have slowed almost overnight," says Nikos Stavros, who runs a mid-sized olive cooperative outside Kalamata. "We're paying more in duties, and that cost has to come from somewhere—either we absorb it or raise our prices."
The ripple effects extend beyond Greek groves. Industry groups in Brussels warn that higher U.S. duties on European food and drink could dampen demand for products across the bloc, from olive oil to wine. For Greek producers, the stakes are high: the United States represents one of their top overseas markets.
To adapt, some exporters are diversifying their reach, exploring new markets in Asia and Canada. Others are doubling down on direct-to-consumer channels, tapping e-commerce platforms to sell specialty olive varieties at premium prices. Still, many growers fear the full impact of the tariffs has yet to take hold.
As talks continue in Brussels over possible trade retaliation, Greek olive growers are left to navigate an uncertain landscape. In the meantime, they’re recalibrating their strategies, blending tradition with innovation to weather the storm.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
