Overview
Trade activity in Cyprus showed diverging trends during the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat). While wholesale trade excluding motor vehicles recorded strong growth, the sector covering the sale and repair of motor vehicles declined.
Wholesale Trade Performance
Wholesale trade excluding motor vehicles increased by 11.2% year on year, with the turnover value index reaching 142.8 points. Strong growth was recorded across several categories. Specialized wholesale trade expanded by 19.0%, while household goods wholesale rose by 14.9%. Turnover in information and communication equipment increased by 10.4%, and machinery and equipment wholesale registered growth of 8.1%.
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Moderate gains were also observed in more traditional segments. Food, beverages and tobacco wholesale increased by 4.3%, while non-specialized wholesale trade advanced by 4.9%. Wholesale on a fee or contract basis was the only category to register a decline, with turnover falling by 18.5%.
Motor Vehicles Sector Trends
By contrast, turnover in the motor vehicles sector declined by 3.6% compared with the first quarter of 2025, with the index standing at 153.0 points. Much of the decrease was driven by lower motor vehicle sales, which fell by 9.4% to 159.5 points. Despite the broader slowdown, several segments recorded growth. Maintenance and repair activities increased by 3.4%, lifting the index to 143.1 points, while sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories rose by 6.4% to 149.3 points. Motorcycles recorded the strongest performance within the category, with turnover increasing by 13.7%.
Conclusion
Data for 2021, the reference year, highlight differing trends across sectors of the Cypriot economy. Wholesale trade continued to expand during the first quarter of 2026, while activity in the motor vehicles sector weakened, reflecting varying market conditions across different industries.
