**Cyprus Wholesale Turnover Climbs 17.8 Percent in Second Quarter of 2026**
Cyprus’ wholesale trade sector experienced a significant surge in the second quarter of 2026, with turnover increasing by 17.8 percent compared to the same period the previous year, according to data released by the statistical service, Cystat, on Tuesday. In contrast, the motor vehicle sales and repair sector faced a downturn, marking a 2.5 percent decline in turnover during the same timeframe.
The positive trend in wholesale trade was consistent throughout the first half of 2026, with an overall increase of 14.6 percent compared to January to June 2025. This growth contrasts sharply with the motor vehicle sector, which saw a decline of 3.1 percent in turnover over the same period.
Among the various categories within wholesale trade, the most notable increase was observed in "other specialised wholesale," which saw an impressive 45.3 percent rise in turnover year on year for the second quarter. This category also recorded a robust growth of 32.8 percent over the first six months of the year.
Following closely was wholesale trade conducted on a fee or contract basis, which experienced a 28.1 percent increase in the second quarter. However, the growth for this category was more modest when examining the first half of the year, with an increase of just 0.7 percent.
Other sectors within wholesale trade also showed promising results. Turnover in wholesale household goods rose by 12.6 percent in the second quarter and 13.7 percent for the first half of 2026. The wholesale of information and communication equipment increased by 8 percent in the second quarter and 9.1 percent over the first six months. Meanwhile, wholesale of other machinery, equipment, and supplies saw a modest rise of 1.8 percent in the second quarter and a 4.8 percent increase in the first half.
Non-specialised wholesale trade experienced a slight increase of 1.7 percent year on year in the second quarter and a 3.2 percent rise over the January to June period. However, the wholesale turnover in food, beverages, and tobacco remained unchanged compared to the previous year in the second quarter, although it did see a 1.9 percent increase in the first half.
In contrast to the wholesale sector, the motor vehicle industry faced challenges. Turnover from the sale of motor vehicles fell by 6.7 percent year on year in the second quarter and 8.1 percent over the first six months of 2026. Despite this decline, maintenance and repair services for vehicles saw an uptick, with turnover increasing by 5.4 percent in the second quarter and 4.4 percent in the first half. Additionally, turnover from motor vehicle parts and accessories rose by 2.6 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively.
Motorcycle sales, maintenance, and repairs experienced a slight decline of 1.4 percent in the second quarter but remained 4 percent higher across the first half of the year.
Cystat's indices utilize 2021 as the base year, with a value set at 100, to measure turnover at current prices. The agency defines turnover as the amounts invoiced by businesses for market sales of goods and services, excluding VAT but including other duties and taxes on goods.
The contrasting trends in wholesale trade and motor vehicle sales highlight the varying dynamics within Cyprus' economy, with wholesale trade showing resilience and growth, while the motor vehicle sector grapples with declining sales figures. As the year progresses, stakeholders will be keenly observing these sectors to gauge their future trajectories.