Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

People in Cyprus can expect to spend 39.5 years in the labour market over the course of their lives, according to Eurostat data for 2025. The figure measures the number of years a person is expected to remain economically active, including periods spent working or actively seeking employment. It places Cyprus two years above the European Union average of 37.5 years.

Cyprus Above EU Average

Across the EU, expected working life increased from 37.2 years in 2024 to 37.5 years in 2025, continuing a gradual upward trend. In Cyprus, men are expected to spend 42.1 years in the labour market, compared with 36.7 years for women. Across the bloc, the figures stand at 39.5 years and 35.4 years, respectively.

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Longest And Shortest Working Lives

The EU average has risen by 2.3 years since 2016, from 35.2 years to 37.5 years. Seven member states now record expected working lives of at least 40 years, led by the Netherlands with 44 years, followed by Sweden at 43.4 years, Denmark at 42.6 years and Estonia at 41.5 years.

At the other end of the ranking, Romania recorded the shortest expected working life at 32.7 years, ahead of Italy at 33 years and Bulgaria at 34.6 years.

Differences Between Men And Women

Among men, the Netherlands recorded the longest expected working life at 45.9 years, followed by Sweden and Denmark, both at 44.5 years. The lowest figures were recorded in Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.

For women, Sweden ranked first with 42.3 years, while Italy recorded the shortest expected working life at 28.4 years, followed by Romania at 29.1 years and Greece at 31.8 years.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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