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Cyprus Trade Activity Accelerates in June 2025 Amid Elevated Import And Export Growth

Strong Import Surge In June

Cyprus experienced a remarkable 21.1 percent increase in total imports in June 2025, reaching €1.11 billion compared to €920.3 million a year earlier. Analyzing the figures, imports from third countries surged to €526.7 million from €366.0 million, underscoring a significant realignment in trade channels. Although the transfer of economic ownership of vessels saw a decline, overall import growth remains robust.

Export Expansion And Persistent Trade Deficit

Parallel to the import uptick, exports advanced by 11.9 percent to €506.5 million in June 2025 from €452.5 million in June 2024, bolstered by improved performance both within the European Union and with third country markets. Yet despite this positive export momentum, Cyprus’ trade deficit widened to €3.87 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to €3.65 billion in the previous year.

First Half Performance Highlights

For the period spanning January to June 2025, total imports climbed 15.0 percent to €6.50 billion, while total exports surged 31.4 percent to €2.62 billion. This dynamic export growth highlights a period of economic opportunity, even as the widening trade deficit signals ongoing challenges in balancing international trade flows.

May 2025: A Month Of Divergent Trends

In May 2025, a contrasting trend emerged where overall imports decreased by 5.2 percent, registering at €1.01 billion. Domestically produced exports, including stores and provisions for ships and aircraft, rose by 9.5 percent, reflecting sector-specific resilience. However, a decline in domestic agricultural exports and foreign product exports points to the nuanced complexities impacting different segments of the trade ecosystem.

Implications For Strategic Trade Policy

The evolving trade landscape in Cyprus, marked by rapid export growth and escalating imports, demands a strategic review of policy frameworks and business practices. Companies and decision makers must leverage these insights to recalibrate market strategies and address the inherent challenge of a widening trade deficit. The current trends suggest an imperative for adaptive policy measures that foster a balanced growth trajectory in an increasingly interconnected global market.

Cyprus Banks Beat EU Benchmarks As NPL Ratio Drops

The Central Bank of Cyprus has unveiled compelling improvements in the nation’s banking sector. As of December 31, 2025, the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio has fallen below the European Union average for the first time since 2014, marking a pivotal shift in asset quality management.

Asset Quality Convergence With European Peers

Excluding loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions, the NPL ratio declined sharply from 4.5% at the end of September 2025 to 3.2% by December. Under the European Banking Authority Risk Dashboard methodology, which incorporates these specialized exposures, the ratio likewise fell to 1.6% from 2.3%, reinforcing the sector’s progress toward aligning with EU standards.

Strategic Adjustments And Provisioning Dynamics

Despite the overall improvement, the coverage ratio for non-performing loans with provisions dropped from 68.5% in September 2025 to 62.3% by December 2025. This adjustment reflects a recalibration in provisioning levels as banks streamline their balance sheets. Additionally, total restructured loans amounted to €0.8 billion by the end of December, with €0.3 billion remaining classified as non-performing, illustrating both the successes and ongoing challenges in asset management.

Implications For Sectoral Stability

This achievement is a significant milestone, indicative of the banking sector’s enhanced risk management practices and improved asset quality. By narrowing the gap with European peers, the CBC underscores a commitment to maintaining financial stability and bolstering investor confidence in the region’s banking system.

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