Cyprus Trade Sector Expands In 2024 As Turnover, Value Added And Employment Increase

Cyprus’ wholesale and retail trade sector recorded broad-based growth in 2024, with turnover, production value, value added and employment all increasing compared with the previous year, according to figures released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat).

Turnover Strengthens Across The Sector

Total turnover in the trade sector rose 5.0% year on year to €20.30 billion in 2024, up from €19.34 billion in 2023.

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The strongest growth was recorded in wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, where turnover increased 8.6% to €1.66 billion. Wholesale trade generated €10.24 billion in turnover, up 4.2% from a year earlier, while retail trade rose 5.3% to €8.41 billion.

Production Value And Added Value Rise

Production value increased 6.3% to €5.75 billion in 2024, while value added at current prices also climbed 6.3%, reaching €3.63 billion compared with €3.42 billion in 2023.

Across the sector’s main divisions, value added in wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles rose 9.3% to €343.4 million. Wholesale trade recorded a 3.8% increase to €1.81 billion, while retail trade posted an 8.9% rise to €1.48 billion.

Employment Continues To Grow

Employment also expanded during the year, rising 1.0% to 78,300 people from 77,500 in 2023.

Retail trade remained the largest employer, with 41,500 people working in the sector. Wholesale trade accounted for 27,000 jobs, while wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles employed a further 9,800 people.

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Apple’s Camera AirPods May Be Less Creepy Than They Sound

by News Editor

August 19, 2026

Apple’s reported camera-equipped AirPods are raising privacy concerns, but the technology may be designed more for AI assistance than recording people.

Cameras For Siri, Not Recording

Leaked footage from a macOS 26.7 release candidate reportedly shows a person wearing AirPods while asking Siri about a book. The video, discovered by researcher Aaron Perris, includes a reference to Visual Intelligence, suggesting the cameras could help Siri understand what users are looking at.

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Code found in the software also reportedly includes a “Hair Detected” warning, indicating that the cameras are positioned on the earbuds and need an unobstructed view.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the cameras would not be designed to take photos or record video. Instead, they would capture low-resolution visual information to help Siri respond to what the user sees.

What Could Users Do With Them?

The technology could have practical uses, from identifying objects and ingredients to providing directions while walking through an unfamiliar city. It also fits into Apple’s broader push to make AI available without requiring users to constantly reach for an iPhone.

Privacy Could Still Be A Problem

Reports suggest the AirPods would include an LED indicator showing when visual information is being shared with the cloud. While that would improve transparency, the small indicator may not be enough to reassure people who are uncomfortable around camera-equipped wearables.

That puts Apple in a difficult position. The company can control how the cameras function, but it has much less control over what people assume they are doing.

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