Athens, June 2006 - Greek exports jumped 22.8 percent to 3.841 billion euros in the first three months of 2006, up from 3.126 billion euros in the corresponding period last year, the Hellenic Export Promotion Organization said recently.

In an analysis of trade figures released by National Statistics Service, the Organization said of the 714 million euros increase in exports in the first quarter, 176 million euros accounted for exports of oil products, 194 mln in exports of food and 171.6 mln euros in industrial goods.

The organization said a widening trade deficit (up 2.4 pct in Jan-March) exclusively reflected higher fuel costs and noted that the countrys trade deficit, excluding oil, fell 7.5 pct over the same period.

Export activity to EU countries rose 12.3 pct in January-March to 1.98 billion euros, with Italy recording a 37.9-pct increase to maintain its top position, while exports to Turkey jumped 57.2 pct.

Exports to third countries totaled 1.859 billion euros, up 36.6 percent, with Balkan states ranked high in the list of top Greek export destinations. Bulgaria was fourth, Romania 10th, Albania 13th and FYROM 14th.

Greek exports soared 1,074 pct to Algeria, 175 pct to India, 59.6 pct to China, 53 pct to Romania, 44.4 pct to Egypt and 31.15 pct to Russia.

Exports to Japan also soared by 125 pct in the first quarter of 2006, after three
years of steady decline.

Exports of steel pipes jumped 224.8 pct, heating machinery rose 151 pct, virgin olive oil was up 108 pct, power distribution materials rose 65.76 pct, cheeses rose 37.9 pct and cotton was up 59 pct.