**Exports Lift Cyprus Industrial Turnover in April**
Cyprus' Industrial Turnover Index experienced a notable increase of 4.6% in April 2026, reaching a level of 143.1 units, as reported by the statistical service, Cystat, on Friday. This rise marks a positive trend in industrial activity for the island nation, with the index reflecting cumulative growth of 3.4% for the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2025.
The Industrial Turnover Index is calculated using 2021 as the base year, which allows for a comparison of monthly turnover changes against the average monthly turnover recorded during that year. The manufacturing sector continues to be the primary contributor to this industrial turnover, with its index climbing to 149.2 units in April, reflecting an annual increase of 5.1%. For the January to April timeframe, manufacturing turnover saw a year-on-year increase of 3.7%.
Within the manufacturing sector, certain categories demonstrated particularly strong growth. Basic metals and fabricated metal products led the way, with turnover surging by 11.9% in April and 10.3% for the first four months of the year. Other non-metallic mineral products also showed robust performance, increasing by 11.4% in April and 2.3% in the cumulative four-month period.
The manufacture of wood and related products, excluding furniture, continued its upward trajectory, with turnover rising by 10.3% in April and a remarkable 23% over the January to April period. Additionally, machinery and equipment, as well as motor vehicles and other transport equipment, saw turnover growth of 9.7% in April and 4.9% for the first four months.
Refined petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceutical preparations experienced an 8.2% increase in turnover in April, although the growth for the four-month period was more modest at 0.5%. Furniture and other manufacturing categories recorded an 8.1% rise in April, despite a decline of 3.9% over the January to April timeframe.
Conversely, some manufacturing sectors faced challenges, with paper and paper products, along with printing, experiencing a decline of 6.6% in April and 2.4% for the first four months. The textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products sector also saw a decrease of 4.1% in April, although it remained up by 3.2% for the January to April period. The electronic and optical products and electrical equipment category recorded a decline of 2.2% in April, marking the steepest cumulative decline of 13.4% over the four-month period.
Outside of the manufacturing sector, mining and quarrying reported a robust increase, reaching 161.6 units with an annual growth of 5.6% in April. The sector also saw a cumulative rise of 1.9% for the first four months of the year. Water supply and materials recovery recorded growth as well, with the index reaching 141.8 units, reflecting a 5.5% increase in April and 7.4% over the January to April period. Materials recovery stood out with a significant increase of 17% for both April and the four-month period, highlighting its strong performance.
In contrast, the water collection, treatment, and supply sector faced a decline of 3.1% in April, although it managed to record a slight increase of 1.2% for the January to April period. The electricity supply sector saw a modest rise of 1.3% in April, with the index at 111.7 units, and a cumulative increase of 0.5% for the first four months.
The local market index reached 143.6 units, reflecting a 4.4% increase in April and a 4.2% rise for the January to April period. Meanwhile, the export market index stood at 140.2 units, showing a stronger annual increase of 6% in April, although it recorded a slight decline of 1% for the first four months.
Cystat noted that the Industrial Turnover Index encompasses various sectors, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity supply, water supply, and materials recovery. However, it does not include activities related to sewerage, waste collection, treatment and disposal, or remediation.
The positive growth in Cyprus' industrial turnover, particularly driven by exports and specific manufacturing sectors, suggests a resilient industrial landscape as the nation navigates the economic challenges of the current year.