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Turnover Value Index in Cyprus Highlights Robust Service and Transport Growth

Overview of Q1 2025 Market Trends

The Cyprus State Statistical Service has released compelling data that underscores significant upward momentum in the services and transport sectors during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This robust performance is underscored by noteworthy gains across several key industry segments.

Administrative and Support Services Surge

Administrative and support service activities led the charge with a substantial 10.6 percent increase in turnover value. This impressive growth reflects a broader trend towards enhanced operational efficiency and business support functions across commercial enterprises.

Strong Gains in Hospitality and Transportation

In the hospitality sector, accommodation and food service activities increased by 9.4 percent, while the transport and storage sectors grew by 6.7 percent. These increases highlight the sectors’ adaptability and response to evolving consumer demands and logistical challenges.

Digital and Real Estate Advancements

Information and communication activities experienced a 5.4 percent uptick, signaling ongoing digital transformation efforts that are reshaping business operations. Concurrently, real estate activities registered a 3.2 percent increase in turnover, providing a stabilizing factor amid a shifting economic landscape.

Notable Decline in Technical Expertise

In contrast, professional, scientific, and technical activities experienced a slight decline of 0.1 percent. This marginal downturn suggests an area that may require strategic reassessment to reinvigorate performance.

Overall, the turnover value index, which captures total invoiced sales within these dynamic sectors, provides a picture of an evolving economy. The data underscores both the potential and the challenges that lie ahead, providing key insights for stakeholders across Cyprus’s business landscape.

DBRS Warns Of Middle East Risks For Greek And Cypriot Banks’ Key Sector

Rising Geopolitical Risks And Economic Vulnerabilities

DBRS said rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East increase risks for Greece and Cyprus, citing their exposure to shipping and tourism. The assessment highlights sector dependence as a key vulnerability in both economies.

Impact On Economic Activity And Banking Systems

Despite recent resilience in Cyprus, ongoing volatility is affecting economic activity and the banking sector. The report, titled “Middle East Tensions Heighten Risks for Greek and Cypriot Banks’ Shipping and Tourism Exposures,” compares risks across both countries and identifies areas of exposure.

Tourism And Shipping: The Economic Double-Edged Sword

Tourism and shipping account for a larger share of economic activity in Cyprus and Greece than in most EU countries. In Cyprus, these sectors represent 6.6% of gross value added, compared with 7.3% in Greece and an EU average of 2.9%. Beyond direct activity, tourism supports transport and leisure services, influencing consumption and broader economic output. According to DBRS, banks in both countries have above-average exposure to these sectors, increasing credit risk in the event of a prolonged downturn.

Differentiated Exposure: Cyprus Versus Greece

Exposure differs between the two banking systems. Greek banks hold a larger share of internationally secured shipping loans, while Cypriot banks have greater exposure to tourism-related activity. This makes Cyprus more sensitive to changes in travel demand. Both systems maintain profitability and capital buffers that may support performance under pressure.

Economic Ripple Effects And Sectoral Vulnerabilities

A decline in tourism flows would affect small and medium-sized businesses, household income, and real estate values. These factors are linked to asset quality in Cypriot banks. Early indicators point to higher cancellation rates and weaker travel demand in Cyprus, reflecting its proximity to regional tensions. Greece may see a more limited short-term impact due to lower exposure and potential diversion of tourism demand from affected regions.

Maintaining Profitability In A Challenging Environment

Bank profitability in both countries remained above the EU average as of the fourth quarter of 2025. Capital levels in Cypriot banks remain strong, while Greek banks continue to align with broader European benchmarks. Asset quality has improved, with non-performing loan ratios in transportation and storage close to 0% in 2025, compared with an EU average of 2.3%. In lodging and food services, non-performing loans stood at 2.1% in Greece and 0.7% in Cyprus, both below the EU average of 5%.

Sectoral Exposure And Wider Banking Implications

Data from the European Banking Authority show that transportation and storage accounted for 19.8% of loans to non-financial corporations in Greece and 11.2% in Cyprus in 2025, compared with an EU average of 5.5%. Exposure to lodging and food services reached 11.1% in Greece and 21.2% in Cyprus, exceeding the EU average of 2.6%.

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