Cyprus’ trade deficit widened by €821 million in the first seven months of 2026, compared with the corresponding period of 2025, mainly due to a significant increase in imports, according to preliminary data released by the Statistical Service on Wednesday.
The trade deficit rose to €5,620.1 million in January-July 2026, from €4,798.9 million in the same period last year.
Total imports of goods increased by 11.4% year-on-year to €8,928.7 million, from €8,016.2 million, while total exports rose by 2.8% to €3,308.6 million, from €3,217.3 million.
In July alone, total imports reached €1,609.4 million, up 22.8% from €1,310.9 million in July 2025. Imports from other EU Member States amounted to €787.8 million, while imports from third countries stood at €821.6 million, compared with €745.7 million and €565.2 million, respectively, in July 2025.
July imports included the transfer of economic ownership of ships worth €136.1 million, compared with €23.4 million in July 2025.
Total exports of goods in July 2026 rose by 17.6% to €666.8 million, from €567.1 million a year earlier. Exports to other EU Member States fell to €127.8 million from €173.5 million, while exports to third countries increased to €539.0 million from €393.6 million.
July exports included the transfer of economic ownership of ships worth €35.3 million, compared with €89.9 million in July 2025.
June 2026 final data
According to final data, total imports of goods amounted to €1,311.8 million in June 2026, up 13.9% from €1,152.2 million in June 2025.
Exports of domestically produced products, including supplies to ships and aircraft, fell by 31.6% to €238.0 million in June 2026, from €347.7 million a year earlier.
Domestic exports of industrial products, excluding supplies to ships and aircraft, amounted to €228.1 million, compared with €336.9 million in June 2025, while exports of agricultural products stood at €8.5 million, compared with €9.7 million.
Exports of foreign products, including supplies to ships and aircraft, increased by 35.3% to €225.2 million in June 2026, from €166.4 million in June 2025.
The main categories of domestically produced exports in January-June 2026, excluding supplies to ships and aircraft, were mineral fuels and oils, valued at €858.7 million, halloumi cheese at €201.9 million and pharmaceutical products at €179.8 million.
