exports — The Cyprus Industrial Turnover Index rose by 4.6 per cent in April 2026, reflecting a robust performance driven by exports. According to figures released on Friday by the statistical service (Cystat), the index reached 143.1 units.
Exports: Solid Start to the Year
For the first four months of 2026, the index recorded a cumulative increase of 3.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2025. These figures are calculated using 2021 as the base year, allowing for a clear comparison of monthly turnover changes against the average turnover recorded that year.
Manufacturing Leads the Charge
Manufacturing continues to be the primary contributor to industrial turnover, with its index climbing to 149.2 units in April, marking an annual increase of 5.1 per cent. Over the January to April period, manufacturing turnover also saw a year-on-year rise of 3.7 per cent.
Key Sectors Driving Growth
- Basic Metals and Fabricated Metal Products: This sector showcased the highest growth, with turnover rising by 11.9 per cent in April and 10.3 per cent over the first four months.
- Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products: Turnover increased by 11.4 per cent in April and 2.3 per cent from January to April.
- Wood Products: The manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, excluding furniture, saw a turnover increase of 10.3 per cent in April and a staggering 23 per cent over the four-month period.
- Machinery and Equipment: This category experienced a turnover rise of 9.7 per cent in April and 4.9 per cent from January to April.
- Refined Petroleum Products and Chemicals: This sector reported an 8.2 per cent increase in April, though the growth over four months was more modest at 0.5 per cent.
Mixed Results Across Other Categories
While several manufacturing categories performed well, others faced challenges. Furniture, other manufacturing, and repair and installation of machinery saw an 8.1 per cent increase in April but still recorded a decline of 3.9 per cent for the January to April period. Food products, beverages, and tobacco products had a modest increase of 0.8 per cent in April and 3.4 per cent over the four months.
Declines in Specific Sectors
- Paper and Paper Products: This category fell by 6.6 per cent in April and 2.4 per cent in the first four months of the year.
- Textiles and Leather Products: Turnover dropped by 4.1 per cent in April, although it remained up by 3.2 per cent from January to April.
- Electronic and Optical Products: This sector recorded a decline of 2.2 per cent in April and the steepest cumulative drop of 13.4 per cent over the four-month period.
Mining and Water Supply Show Positive Growth
Outside of manufacturing, the mining and quarrying sector reached 161.6 units, recording an annual increase of 5.6 per cent in April and a 1.9 per cent rise for the January to April period. The water supply and materials recovery sectors also reported growth, with the index reaching 141.8 units, a 5.5 per cent increase in April and a 7.4 per cent rise over the four months.
Materials Recovery as a Standout Performer
Particularly noteworthy is the materials recovery sector, which saw an impressive 17 per cent increase both in April and over the four-month period, making it one of the strongest-performing categories.
Electricity Supply and Local Market Trends
The electricity supply sector recorded a modest increase of 1.3 per cent in April, with the index standing at 111.7 units and a total rise of 0.5 per cent for the first four months. The local market index reached 143.6 units, reflecting a 4.4 per cent rise in April and a 4.2 per cent increase during the January to April period.
Export Market Performance
Meanwhile, the export market index stood at 140.2 units, with a stronger annual increase of 6 per cent in April, although it was down by 1 per cent for the first four months of the year. Cystat clarified that the industrial turnover index encompasses mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity supply, water supply, and materials recovery, but excludes sewerage and waste collection activities.
