Greek Reporter Mitsotakis: No Sense in US Tariffs on Olive Oil and Feta as Greece Braces for Impact By Tasos Kokkinidis April 7, 2025

Greek Reporter 

Mitsotakis: No Sense in US Tariffs on Olive Oil and Feta as Greece Braces for Impact

By Tasos Kokkinidis

April 7, 2025

Greece tariffs

“We have products such as olives, oil and feta cheese, which are not produced in the US and the imposition of tariffs does not make much sense,” Mitsotakis said. Credit: AMNA

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday emphasized that the Greek economy is prepared to face the challenges stemming from the sudden shift in global trade policy triggered by new US tariffs.

Speaking while chairing a meeting of the Government Economic Policy Council, he underscored the importance of maintaining fiscal stability and accelerating reforms to boost competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global environment.

“We will defend our national interests, but I want to keep the bar of expectations low because we do not know how the US will react. We have products such as olives, oil and feta cheese, which are not produced in the US and the imposition of tariffs does not make much sense,” he said.

Greece exports significant quantities of basic agricultural products to the US, such as feta cheese, olives, olive oil and compotes, and the new tariffs are expected to hit these sectors.

Greece’s Mitsotakis calls for a EU response to tariffs

Mitsotakis called for a united response from the European Union’s 27 member states, noting that the absence of a “spasmodic reaction” was a positive sign. Europe, he said, must approach this moment with careful analysis to ensure an effective and coordinated strategy.

Grecian Delight supports Greece

Amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the prime minister stressed two key priorities: defending Greece’s national interests and managing expectations amid unpredictable global dynamics. “Fiscal stability is more crucial now than it was a week ago,” he noted, adding that enhancing competitiveness through reforms is now more urgent than ever.

The Government Economic Policy Council, he said, will play a dual role—coordinating the efforts of key ministries around short- and medium-term goals, and crafting a national economic strategy in light of the global shift, particularly following the US decision to upend existing trade norms with the imposition of tariffs.

“This is a period of unpredictable risks for every state. Economic resilience is critical, as it underpins the protection of our society as a whole,” Mitsotakis said. He added that political stability and internal cohesion will be increasingly tested in a world shaken by geopolitical tensions and abrupt economic shifts.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, the prime minister urged for continued clarity and stability. He cautioned against overconfidence, noting that Greece must remain vigilant as the international landscape evolves.

“We do not yet know how the US will proceed,” he said, referencing key Greek exports such as olives, olive oil, and feta cheese—products not produced domestically in the US, making the logic of tariffs questionable.

Mitsotakis concluded by emphasizing the need for Greece to expand its trade reach into new markets and highlighted the vital role of the shipping sector in maintaining Greece’s strong presence in global commerce.

Related: How Trump’s Tariffs Will Impact Greece’s Economy

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