Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded a widening trade deficit in the first five months of 2026 as imports of goods increased faster than exports, according to final April data and provisional May figures released by the state statistical service, Cystat, on Friday.
January-May trade balance
Total imports of goods reached €5.99 billion between January and May 2026, compared with €5.55 billion during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 8.0 per cent.
Exports of goods during the first five months of 2026 totalled €2.15 billion, compared with €2.14 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, marking a rise of 1.0 per cent.
As a result, Cyprus’ trade deficit expanded to €3.84 billion in January-May 2026, compared with €3.42 billion in the same period last year.
May import figures
Cystat’s provisional data showed that imports in May 2026 reached €1.31 billion, compared with €1.07 billion in May 2025, recording an annual increase of 22.3 per cent.
Imports from other EU member states amounted to €705 million in May 2026, compared with €621.70 million a year earlier.
Imports from third countries reached €604.10 million, up from €448.40 million in May 2025.
The May import figures include the transfer of economic ownership of vessels and aircraft worth €79.90 million, compared with €40.40 million in May 2025.
May export figures
Exports also recorded strong growth in May, with total goods exports reaching €520.40 million, compared with €327.60 million in May 2025, an increase of 58.9 per cent.
Exports to other EU member states stood at €127.30 million in May 2026, compared with €116.50 million a year earlier.