Cyprus-China Trade Grows 26 Percent to $1.44 Billion

The surge in trade volume reinforces Cyprus as a strategic gateway for international firms seeking EU market access.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in International Trade

Isometric editorial illustration of a solitary steel shipping container on a concrete dock, representing international trade logistics.
Bilateral trade between China and Cyprus climbed 26 percent to $1.44 billion in 2025, cementing the island's role as a strategic EU gateway. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bilateral trade between China and Cyprus reached $1.44 billion in 2025, marking a 26 per cent year-on-year increase. China now ranks as the fourth largest trading partner for Cyprus, utilizing the nation as a strategic entry point into the European Union market.

Why it matters

The growth in trade highlights Cyprus's evolving role as a gateway for Chinese firms into the EU. This shift creates potential new pathways for collaboration in tourism, shipping, and digital economy sectors, particularly for operators focused on cross-border logistics.

Trade between China and Cyprus hit $1.44 billion in 2025, a 26 per cent year-on-year increase. The ICT sector remains a significant driver for the Cypriot economy, contributing €4 billion annually or 15 per cent of total GDP.

The players

Cyprus-China Business Association

A trade organization with over 200 members that operates under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate commercial ties.

Top Kinisis

A travel and tourism entity coordinating international service agreements with Chinese counterparts.

Zhejiang Overseas International Travel Service Co.

A Chinese travel service provider entering into a formal cooperation agreement with Cypriot tourism firms.

The details

Cyprus functions as a logistical entry point for Chinese companies seeking to distribute products within the European Union. The Cyprus-China Business Association, which includes over 200 members, facilitates this trade under the auspices of the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chinese embassy. Future cooperation is expected to focus on green technologies, tourism, and shipping infrastructure.

Timeline

  1. 1995: The Cyprus-China Business Association is established.

  2. 2025: Bilateral trade volume reaches $1.44 billion.

  3. October 2026: A business forum is scheduled to be held in Nicosia.

Market Landscape

Cyprus's trade strategy sits within the broader context of the European Union's Single Market access regulations. By serving as an entry point for international firms, the nation is positioning itself as a vital intermediary for non-EU business expansion.

Operators in the logistics, tourism, and digital sectors should track the upcoming October 2026 business forum for potential partnership opportunities. Monitoring these bilateral agreements is essential for businesses assessing new supply chain corridors into the European Union.

The takeaway

The sustained growth in trade volume underscores the effectiveness of Cyprus as a regional hub for non-EU businesses. Operators should monitor the progress of new agreements in green tech and digital services to identify emerging competitive pressures in their local markets.

What happens next

A business forum is scheduled to take place in Nicosia in October 2026 to discuss further expansion in shipping and green technologies.

Further reading

For broader trends on cross-border partnerships, see our International Trade coverage.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyprus Mail.

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