At €6.86 billion. Cyprus' trade deficit widened during the nine months of January-September 2026, recording an increase of 10.15% year-on-year, according to preliminary data released on Monday by the Statistical Service.
Specifically, the trade deficit amounted to €6,863.9 million, compared to €6,231.1 million. in the corresponding period of 2025, showing an increase of €632.8 million.
Total imports of goods increased by 12.1%, reaching €11,757.4 million, from €10,491.9 million. in the previous year.
Exports also followed an upward trend, recording an increase of 14.8%, with their total value amounting to €4,893.5 million, compared to €4,260.8 million. in the nine months of 2025.
Despite the percentage increase in exports, the trade deficit widened, as the increase in the value of imports was greater in absolute numbers.
89.1% jump in September exports
A significant increase was recorded in exports of goods in September 2026, which almost doubled compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.
According to preliminary data, exports increased by 89.1%, reaching €939.3 million, compared to €496.6 million. in September 2025.
Of the total amount, €216 million. concerned exports to European Union member states and €723.3 million. to third countries, compared to €172.7 million. and €323.9 million. respectively a year earlier.
It is noted that September's exports include the transfer of economic ownership of ships worth €157.3 million, compared to €108 million. in the corresponding month of 2025.
In the same period, total imports of goods amounted to €1,489.6 million, recording an increase of 19.7% compared to €1,244.2 million. of September 2025.
Imports from EU countries amounted to €705.2 million, while those from third countries reached €784.4 million, compared to €638.9 million. and €605.3 million. respectively in the previous year.
The figures also include the transfer of financial ownership of ships and aircraft with a total value of €58.9 million, compared to €38 million. in September 2025.
Increase in imports and domestic exports in August
Imports and exports of domestically produced products moved upwards in August 2026, according to the final data of the Statistical Service.
Total imports of goods reached €1,334.3 million, from €1,152.1 million. in August 2025, showing an increase of 15.8%.
Exports of domestically produced products amounted to €518.5 million, up by 29.8%, compared to €399.4 million. in the corresponding month of the previous year.
In particular, domestic exports of industrial products, excluding fossil fuels, oils and supplies to ships and aircraft, amounted to €73.6 million, compared to €71.2 million. in August 2025.
The corresponding exports of agricultural products amounted to €7 million, from €6.4 million. a year prior.
On the contrary, exports of foreign products decreased by 14.5%, falling to €125.2 million, compared to €146.5 million. in August 2025.
Halloumi and medicines at the top of Cypriot exports
Halloumi and pharmaceuticals continue to be the most important categories of domestic exports of Cyprus, based on data for the period January–August 2026.
In particular, excluding fossil fuels, oils and supplies to ships and aircraft, the main categories were:
Halloumi: €258.3 million
Pharmaceuticals: €226.1 million
Paper, glass and metal waste and scrap: €71.1 million
The data show that, despite the strengthening of exports, the value of imports continues to significantly exceed that of exports, keeping Cyprus' trade balance in deficit.
Pharmaceuticals: €226.1 million
Paper, glass and metal waste and scrap: €71.1 million
The data show that, despite the strengthening of exports, the value of imports continues to significantly exceed that of exports, keeping Cyprus' trade balance in deficit.
