Economic relations between Greece and China are showing renewed momentum in 2026, with Greek exports to the world’s second-largest economy posting a sharp increase, Chinese investment interest remaining resilient and tourism emerging as one of the most promising areas for bilateral cooperation.
That is according to the Beijing Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs’ 2025 Annual Report, which points to developments that support a more optimistic outlook despite Greece’s large trade deficit with China.
Greek exports jump 68%
Bilateral trade between Greece and China exceeded 7.18 billion euros in 2025. Greek exports to China rose 68.1% to 697.2 million euros, up from 414.6 million euros in 2024. Meanwhile, imports from China declined 6.6% to 6.48 billion euros.
As a result, Greece’s trade deficit with China narrowed by around 740 million, marking a significant improvement after years of steady widening.
Petroleum products drive export growth
Petroleum products were the main driver of export growth, with shipments reaching 279 million, up 1,972% from a year earlier. The category now accounts for 40% of Greece’s total exports to China.
Pharmaceutical products ranked second, with exports of 102.7 million euros, up 44%, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Greece’s pharmaceutical industry in the Chinese market.
They were followed by marble (77.5 million), precious metal ores (74.6 million) and copper products (21.8 million).
The report also identifies strong potential for products such as Greek olive oil, fruit juices, dairy products and high-tech goods, which could benefit from the continued expansion of China’s middle class.
Chinese investors remain the largest Golden Visa participants
The report was also positive as far as investment is concerned, with Greece continuing to attract Chinese capital into infrastructure, energy, logistics, telecommunications and real estate.
The Golden Visa programme remains a key channel for Chinese investment into the country.
Since the programme’s launch in 2013 through the end of 2024, Greece granted 15,115 residence permits to investors, of which 8,607 were issued to Chinese nationals, representing 56.2% of the total.
Overall, more than half of Golden Visa investors come from China, while investments linked to the programme reached 4.47 billion euros during 2023-2024.
Tourism takes centre stage in 2026
Tourism is expected to be the sector with the greatest growth potential in 2026. The report describes China as one of the most important growth markets for Greek tourism.
Before the pandemic, Chinese tourist arrivals at Greek airports reached around 164,000 in 2019. After a sharp decline in 2020, arrivals recovered to 95,311 in 2023, signalling the return of the Chinese outbound market.
What Chinese visitors are looking for
Chinese travellers primarily visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, the Aegean islands, Crete, Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
They typically stay between five and eight nights, choose three- to five-star hotels and spend up to 2,500 euros per trip.
Notably, around 80% choose travel packages focused exclusively on Greece, suggesting that the country has established itself as a standalone destination in the Chinese tourism market, according to the report.
New trends create fresh opportunities
The report also highlights the growing number of independent travellers seeking authentic experiences, cultural itineraries, gastronomy and specialised tourism products.
Interest is also increasing in business travel, wellness tourism, retirement travel, as well as Greece as a destination for weddings and Chinese television productions.
The report says direct flights linking Athens with Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu are expected to play a key role in further expanding tourism flows.
It also argues that stronger promotion of Greece on Chinese digital platforms, simplified visa procedures and wider acceptance of electronic payment systems such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay could significantly increase Chinese visitor arrivals in the coming years.
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