Growing exports of Greek building products and services

From marble to cutting edge technology, Greek producers of construction materials and related services continue to expand in fast-growth international markets like the booming megalopolises of the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

At November’s Big 5 Global trade fair in Dubai, the world’s biggest exhibition for construction and building materials, the Greek delegation was represented in record numbers. The 41 Greek exporters showcased their products to more than 85,000 visitors across a combined exhibition space of 1,300 square meters.

With exports exceeding €7.9 billion in 2024, the Greek building materials sector accounts for 15-18% of total Greek exports and is one of the country’s most dynamic and outward-looking industries, contributing to signature projects around the globe, particularly in fast developing markets in Asia. Greece is one of the world’s Top 5 exporters of marble and fine Greek marble graces both public and commercial buildings across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The industry is known for its innovation and quality, particularly its exports of products like marble, aluminum products, copper, cement, chemicals and solar thermal products. Over the past five years, Greek exports of such products have grown by nearly 50%.

Greek engineering and construction firms are likewise engaged in countless construction projects around the world and have been sought out for their technical knowledge and skills to participate in some of Middle East’s megaprojects. More recently, Greek startups have also developed specialty applications for the sector.

In Dubai, Greece also had – for another year – the largest national participation in the Startup City space. Six cutting-edge Greek companies presented innovative construction technologies like advanced data science and business process optimization software, autonomous robotic systems, fiber optic technologies for monitoring complex constructions, computer vision solutions for RES and “green” applications, and automation platforms for the design and documentation of electrical and IoT projects.

A special exhibition space was also dedicated to Greek Marble, in collaboration with the Greek Marble Association of Macedonia – Thrace (SEMMTH). The space, located in the central corridor of the exhibition center, highlighted the unique aesthetic qualities of Greek marble. With the motto “Take a piece of Greece with you”, visitors were presented with various samples helping to enhance appreciation of Greek marble exports.