Breaking news

Cyprus–Australia Food Trade Faces Emergency Restrictions Amid FMD Outbreak

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Emergency Measures Disrupt Bilateral Trade

The longstanding commercial relationship between Cyprus and Australia in the food sector is under severe strain following an official decision by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This decisive action removes Cyprus from the list of countries free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), effectively triggering new trade restrictions.

Strict Protocols and Immediate Impact

Announced on December 19, 2025, the restrictions arose amid confirmed reports of an outbreak on occupied territories. In response, Australia has implemented stringent biosecurity measures retroactive to November 8, 2025. These measures affect dozens of importers and producers, underscoring Australia’s uncompromising stance on animal health and safety.

Expert Assessment and On-Site Interventions

A specialized team from the EU Veterinary Emergency Team has been deployed to the island since Friday evening. This four-member team from the European Commission was mobilized urgently at the request of the Republic’s Veterinary Services to assess the situation within the occupied regions. Their intervention reflects the high stakes of international food safety and compliance in global trade.

Detailed Product Restrictions

The sweeping measures, as outlined in Official Circular 417-2025, target a wide range of food products:

  • Halloumi: Imports of halloumi that have not matured for at least 30 days or that do not meet specific acidity standards (pH 6 and below) are prohibited.
  • Dairy Products: All dairy products produced or exported from Cyprus are subject to strict controls.
  • Meat and Animal By-Products: There is a complete ban on products derived from cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. This also includes personal dairy imports by travelers and postal shipments, as well as sheep intestines used for sausages.
  • Genetic Material and Veterinary Products: Imports of reproductive materials and veterinary therapeutics have been suspended.
  • Pet Food: Pet foods containing or derived from bovine, porcine, ovine, deer, or camel sources from Cyprus are now restricted.
  • Laboratory Animal Fluids: Laboratory products containing fluids and tissues from deer and camelids—including testing kits, culturing mediums, and environmental samples—are also affected.

Handling In-Transit Shipments

Australian authorities have clarified that shipments already in transit will be managed on a case-by-case basis:

  • Pre-November 8 Shipments: Goods demonstrably produced before this date may be released following a thorough inspection.
  • Post-November 8 Shipments: Products manufactured or harvested after the critical date will be barred from entry and will face either re-exportation or destruction.
  • Notable Exceptions: The ban does not affect solid chocolate, aged cheeses (subject to meeting certain conditions), or products containing less than 10% dairy components.

Economic Implications for Cypriot Exports

Among the most adversely affected is Cyprus’s export sector. For instance, Cyprus annually exports around 2,000 tonnes of halloumi, valued at approximately €15 million according to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service. The introduction of these restrictions is expected to exert a significant economic impact, compelling the industry to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory compliance and market uncertainty.

As global trade increasingly scrutinizes biosecurity measures, stakeholders in both Cyprus and Australia must prepare for a challenging period ahead, defined by rigorous controls and the urgent need for contingency strategies.

Cyprus Sees Robust Growth In Motor Vehicle Registrations Amid Shift To Hybrid And Electric

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus commenced 2026 with solid momentum in its automotive sector, underscored by a marked 6.7 percent increase in motor vehicle registrations in January, according to data from Cystat. The positive figures reflect a deepening market transformation as consumers increasingly pivot toward cleaner, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Market Performance Overview

A total of 4,350 vehicles were registered in January 2026, compared with 4,077 a year earlier. The figures point to continued demand across the sector, even as the industry adapts to changing fuel technologies and evolving mobility trends.

Passenger Car Trends And Shifts

Registrations of passenger saloon cars increased by 4.5 percent to 3,317 units, up from 3,173 in January 2025. New vehicles accounted for 39 percent of registrations, or 1,294 units, while used cars made up the remaining 61 percent with 2,023 registrations. In contrast, rental saloon registrations declined sharply by 22.8 percent to 159 units.

Changing Fuel Dynamics

Fuel preferences also continued to shift. The share of petrol-powered passenger cars fell from 42.5 percent to 35.8 percent year on year. Diesel vehicles edged slightly higher, moving from 8.1 percent to 8.4 percent. Electric vehicles expanded their presence from 5.6 percent to 6.9 percent, while hybrid cars strengthened their lead, rising from 43.8 percent to 48.8 percent of new registrations.

Commercial And Two-Wheeler Segments

Activity was mixed in the commercial vehicle segment. Motor coaches and buses rose to 23 registrations from 7 a year earlier. Heavy goods vehicles increased by 43.8 percent to 69 units, while light goods vehicles grew by 16 percent to 471. Road tractors also recorded an 18.8 percent rise to 19 units. Rental goods vehicles, however, dropped sharply by 70 percent to just 3 registrations.

In the two-wheeler category, mopeds under 50cc declined to 6 units from 22, whereas motorcycles above 50cc climbed 13.5 percent to 387 registrations, up from 341 the previous year.

Overall, the data highlights a market that is gradually shifting toward cleaner mobility options while maintaining stable overall demand.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter