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Cyprus Trade Activity Accelerates in June 2025 Amid Elevated Import And Export Growth

Strong Import Surge In June

Cyprus experienced a remarkable 21.1 percent increase in total imports in June 2025, reaching €1.11 billion compared to €920.3 million a year earlier. Analyzing the figures, imports from third countries surged to €526.7 million from €366.0 million, underscoring a significant realignment in trade channels. Although the transfer of economic ownership of vessels saw a decline, overall import growth remains robust.

Export Expansion And Persistent Trade Deficit

Parallel to the import uptick, exports advanced by 11.9 percent to €506.5 million in June 2025 from €452.5 million in June 2024, bolstered by improved performance both within the European Union and with third country markets. Yet despite this positive export momentum, Cyprus’ trade deficit widened to €3.87 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to €3.65 billion in the previous year.

First Half Performance Highlights

For the period spanning January to June 2025, total imports climbed 15.0 percent to €6.50 billion, while total exports surged 31.4 percent to €2.62 billion. This dynamic export growth highlights a period of economic opportunity, even as the widening trade deficit signals ongoing challenges in balancing international trade flows.

May 2025: A Month Of Divergent Trends

In May 2025, a contrasting trend emerged where overall imports decreased by 5.2 percent, registering at €1.01 billion. Domestically produced exports, including stores and provisions for ships and aircraft, rose by 9.5 percent, reflecting sector-specific resilience. However, a decline in domestic agricultural exports and foreign product exports points to the nuanced complexities impacting different segments of the trade ecosystem.

Implications For Strategic Trade Policy

The evolving trade landscape in Cyprus, marked by rapid export growth and escalating imports, demands a strategic review of policy frameworks and business practices. Companies and decision makers must leverage these insights to recalibrate market strategies and address the inherent challenge of a widening trade deficit. The current trends suggest an imperative for adaptive policy measures that foster a balanced growth trajectory in an increasingly interconnected global market.

Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.

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