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Cyprus Retail Sector Sees Robust Growth In April 2026

Strong Growth Across Value And Volume Metrics

The Cyprus retail landscape demonstrated impressive momentum in April 2026, as reported by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat). Both value and volume indices registered notable annual increases. The Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade (excluding motor vehicles) advanced by 5.8% year-on-year, reaching 141.0 units, while the Turnover Volume Index grew by 2.9% to 122.1 units. This dual expansion underscores a healthy retail activity, both in monetary terms and real units sold.

Sector Specific Performances

Growth remained broadly positive during the first four months of the year. Between January and April 2026, the value index increased by 6.4% compared with the same period of 2025, while the volume index rose by 5.5%. Automotive fuel recorded the largest increase in value, rising 16.5% year-on-year, although sales volumes declined by 3.6%. Other household equipment, including furniture, electrical appliances, lighting products, carpets and construction materials, posted gains of 10.3% in value and 11.7% in volume.

Cultural and recreational goods also performed strongly, with value and volume increasing by 9.9% and 11.2% respectively. Information and communication equipment recorded one of the largest volume increases, rising 17.7%, alongside a 6.4% increase in value.

Divergent Trends And Category Insights

Non-specialised stores, including supermarkets, reported a 5.9% increase in value and a 2.4% rise in volume for food, beverages and tobacco. By comparison, specialised food, beverage and tobacco stores recorded a 2% increase in value while sales volumes declined by 3.3%. Pharmaceuticals, orthopaedic goods and cosmetics posted more moderate gains, with value increasing by 2.4% and volume by 1.8%.

Not all categories recorded growth. Clothing and footwear sales declined by 1.9% in value despite a 3.8% increase in volume. Categories including flowers, plants, jewellery, watches, optical goods and second-hand products reported a 0.2% decline in value and an 8.2% decrease in volume. Non-store retail sales also fell, declining by 5.1% in value and 3.4% in volume.

Aggregated Results And Future Outlook

Excluding automotive fuel, retail trade increased by 4.8% in value and 3.5% in volume. Food products recorded a 5.5% increase in value and a 1.8% rise in volume, while non-food goods grew by 3.9% in value and 5.4% in volume. Over the January-April period, information and communication equipment recorded the strongest cumulative volume growth at 21.2%. Other household equipment followed with an 11.5% increase in volume and a 10.8% rise in value. Cultural and recreational goods and supermarket sales also recorded gains, while clothing and footwear posted a 1.7% decline in value. Specialised food, beverage and tobacco stores reported a 1.1% decrease in volume during the four months.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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