Greece's legendary marble industry, famous for its role in crafting the Parthenon, now faces a very modern crisis—a looming trade war that’s stirring up trouble. Proposed U.S. tariffs on European goods are sending shockwaves through northern Greece, where marble has been a cultural and economic cornerstone for generations. 😨
Ioulia Chaida, deputy CEO of marble giant Iktinos, sums it up: "The market's shrinking. We can't absorb more costs." For transport owner Spyros Papamarinos, who hauls up to seven loads a day, every shipment is a lifeline supporting his family. Product manager Alexandros Zorpidis, overseeing one of the largest quarries, worries about the future for his young child and the community at large.
With marble contributing to over $2.68 billion in annual exports to the U.S.—its fifth-largest export destination—the proposed tariffs, some as high as 50%, threaten to raise costs, shrink demand, and destabilize entire local economies. The ripple effects of the U.S.-China trade war have also nudged more Greek exporters to pivot west, intensifying competition for U.S. importers.
From local cafés to neighborhood electricians, the impact of this potential collapse is far-reaching. In today’s fast-paced global market, where even centuries-old traditions feel the heat of modern policies, the big question remains: can this ancient craft adapt to survive? Only time will tell. 💔
Reference(s):
Losing their marbles – how trade war threatens ancient Greek industry
cgtn.com
