Cyprus trade deficit grows to €6.3 billion in January-August 2026
Provisional Cystat figures show Cyprus’ trade deficit rose by almost 15 per cent as import growth outpaced exports in the first eight months of 2026.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded a trade deficit of €6.3 billion for January-August 2026, with imports rising faster than exports, provisional figures published on Monday by the statistical service (Cystat) showed. The shortfall was €819.8 million larger than a year earlier, an increase of almost 15 per cent.
Imports outpace export growth
According to Cystat, goods imports totalled €10.26bn over the eight months, a 10.9 per cent increase from €9.25bn in the equivalent 2025 period. Exports reached €3.95bn, rising by 5 per cent from €3.76bn.
The figures put the January-August 2025 deficit at €5.48bn. Import growth was more than twice the export growth rate, widening the gap despite the increase in exports.
August trade with EU and third countries
Cystat reported that August goods imports reached €1.32bn, up 14.9 per cent from €1.15bn in August 2025.
Imports originating in other EU member states declined from €630.6m a year earlier to €569.2m. By contrast, imports from third countries climbed substantially, reaching €754.9m against €521.5m in August 2025.
The August import total included vessels valued at €1.1m whose economic ownership was transferred, compared with €55m a year earlier.
Exports for August increased by 17.9 per cent, reaching €643.5m from €545.9m in the same month of 2025, according to the provisional data.
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