Greece's ancient marble, famed for constructing the Parthenon, is now facing a very modern challenge. Proposed U.S. tariffs have put this age-old industry at the heart of global trade tensions.
The industry, which supports thousands of families in northern Greece, is feeling the pinch as costs rise and demand shrinks. ⚠️ The pressure is mounting, and the impact is felt across local communities.
Ioulia Chaida, deputy CEO of marble giant Iktinos, shared her concerns: "The market's shrinking. We can't absorb more costs. The pressure is everywhere – not just here."
Greece exports more than $2.68 billion in goods to the U.S. each year, with marble among its prized products. Regions like Drama and Thassos rely on this trade for their economic heartbeat.
Transport owner Spyros Papamarinos, who hauls up to seven marble loads daily, expressed worry: "That's how I support my family. If it slows down, we're in trouble." Product manager Alexandros Zorpidis added, "You want him to have a better future. But if marble stops — what then?"
The ripple effects of the U.S.-China trade war have prompted many Greek exporters to look west, even as U.S. importers like Nikos Koleidis struggle to keep up. Rising tariffs mean higher prices, making it tough to compete with rivals from the Chinese mainland or Turkey.
Alkiviadis Kalampokis, president of the Panhellenic Exporters Association, warned that decades of hard work could be undone: "We built this market over decades. If it collapses under tariffs, it won't come back easily." This instability touches every aspect of local life—from the quarries to the cafés and even the gas stations. 😢
For now, the machines keep running, but the future of this iconic industry remains uncertain. Young entrepreneurs, trade enthusiasts, and communities across Greece are watching closely as ancient craftsmanship faces modern challenges.
Reference(s):
Losing their marbles – how trade war threatens ancient Greek industry
cgtn.com
