Companies exposed in the neighboring country express concern about political turbulence and lira slide

Illegal cigarette trading is growing considerably – 13.2 percent of cigarettes consumed in April 2012 were not destined for the Greek market.

The sale of contraband cigarettes in Greece has grown considerably, estimated at some 3.5 billion euros per year for 2010 and 2011.

The majority of export-reliant Greek industries are adopting a defensive stance for 2012 after struggling to survive the economic hardships of 2011.