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Halloumi, Fuels And Medicines Remain Cyprus’ Top Export Products Amid Growing Trade Deficit

Cyprus continues to shine in its export sectors with halloumi cheese, mineral fuels, and pharmaceutical products leading the charge. However, the nation is grappling with an expanding trade deficit that reached €5.88 billion in the first nine months of 2025, according to provisional figures from the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).

Rising Import And Export Figures

September 2025 witnessed a marked increase in imports, with the total figure hitting €1.21 billion—a notable 22.5% jump over September 2024’s €986.30 million. Imports from EU partners and third countries were relatively balanced at €612.50 million and €595.50 million respectively, bolstered further by a significant €35.60 million transfer in economic vessel ownership, up from €30.40 million in the previous year.

Export figures in the same month painted a more robust picture. Total exports reached €497.40 million, a 40.5% increase from €354.10 million in September 2024. Exports to EU nations and third countries grew to €173.60 million and €323.80 million respectively, fuelled in part by an impressive jump in the economic transfer of vessels, from €42.20 million to €108.00 million.

Sectoral Export Strengths

Analysis of the January–August period reveals consistent strengths in domestically produced goods. Leading export categories include mineral fuels and oils at €1.67 billion, halloumi cheese at €262.90 million, and pharmaceutical products at €228.90 million. Meanwhile, exports of domestically produced goods, particularly stores and provisions for ships and aircraft, saw substantial rises, indicating a dynamic market environment.

Revised Figures And Broader Economic Implications

Additional data from August 2025 underscores the evolving trade landscape. Imports for August climbed to €1.12 billion, a 13.7% increase over the €981.82 million in August 2024, while exports of domestically produced products soared by 105.8% year-over-year. Despite a slight dip in agricultural exports, these developments affirm the resilience and adaptability of Cyprus’ export sectors.

These provisional figures provide valuable economic insights for policymakers and investors alike, highlighting both the strengths of key export segments and the broader challenges posed by an expanding trade deficit in a complex global market.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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