The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status has significantly boosted halloumi cheese exports, which have now overtaken pharmaceuticals—long the top domestic export of industrial products in Cyprus.

According to data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus, during the period of January to May 2024, halloumi exports reached €155.2 million, surpassing pharmaceutical products, which accounted for €140.6 million in exports.

The same data reveals that halloumi exports for January to May 2024 saw a further 6.3% increase compared to 2023. This rise follows substantial growth in previous years, with exports increasing by 10.1% in 2023 and 6.8% in 2022.

Total imports of goods in May 2024 amounted to €1.037 billion, compared to €1.000 billion in May 2023, marking an increase of 3.7%.

Exports of domestically produced goods, including provisions for ships and aircraft, totaled €192.1 million in May 2024, compared to €240.7 million in May 2023, reflecting a 20.2% decrease. The value of industrial product exports in May 2024 stood at €175.8 million, down from €227.9 million in May 2023, while agricultural product exports in May 2024 increased to €14.9 million from €11.6 million in May 2023.

Exports of foreign products, including provisions for ships and aircraft, reached €148.7 million in May 2024, compared to €181.1 million in May 2023, a decline of 17.9%.