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Cyprus Trade Deficit Widens Amid Sharp Export Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 9, 2026

December Trade Performance

Cyprus closed 2025 with an expanded trade deficit. While a significant increase in exports during December bolstered the country’s market stance, a marked decline in imports overshadowed these gains. According to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), total imports of goods in December 2025 fell to €1.20 billion from €1.39 billion in December 2024, representing a decrease of 13.1%. Notably, imports from other EU member states dropped to €789.30 million, and those from third countries slid to €415.10 million, from €703.40 million and €682.70 million respectively.

Significant Export Growth

Exports, however, recorded notable growth. Total export value reached €490.5 million in December 2025, up from €375.95 million in December 2024, an increase of 30.5%. Shipments to EU countries amounted to €182.7 million, while exports to third countries rose to €307.8 million from €97.0 million and €279.0 million respectively. A key factor behind the increase was the transfer of economic ownership of vessels, which climbed to €130.1 million compared with €51.4 million in the previous December.

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Year-to-Date Dynamics

Full-year data for 2025 show a mixed overall picture. Total imports for the January–December period rose to €13.55 billion from €12.58 billion in 2024, marking a 7.7% year-on-year increase. Exports reached €5.55 billion, up 7.0% from €5.19 billion the year before. As a result, the overall trade deficit widened to €8.00 billion compared with €7.40 billion in 2024.

Monthly Insights And Sectoral Highlights

Figures for November 2025 support the same trend. Total imports for the month declined to €1.04 billion from €1.16 billion a year earlier, a drop of 10.1%. In contrast, exports of domestically produced goods, including supplies for ships and aircraft, increased to €283.9 million from €244.5 million, a rise of 16.1%. Industrial product exports reached €276.6 million compared with €237.1 million, while agricultural exports edged slightly lower to €6.2 million from €6.4 million. Exports of foreign products also recorded modest gains.

Key Export Sectors

The leading domestic export categories between January and November 2025 were mineral fuels and oils at €2.19 billion, halloumi cheese at €332.2 million, and pharmaceutical products at €318.0 million. It is worth noting that the mineral fuels and oils category largely reflects goods that were imported, processed, and subsequently re-exported, which is an important factor in interpreting Cyprus’ trade structure.

Revisions And Provisional Data

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Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

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Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.