Retail trade in Cyprus showed one of the highest growth rates in the EU

In March 2026, the volume of retail sales in Cyprus continued to grow, demonstrating higher rates compared to the European Union averages. According to preliminary Eurostat data published on Thursday, sales on the island increased by 0.5% in monthly terms compared to February.

The annual growth was particularly notable. Compared to March 2025, the retail sales index in Cyprus rose by 6.1%, adjusted for calendar effects. This is one of the highest results among EU countries for which data is available.

At the pan-European level, the situation appeared more subdued. In March, retail sales volume in the EU grew by 0.3% compared to the previous month, while the eurozone recorded a decline of 0.1%. In annual terms, sales increased by 1.9% in the EU and by 1.2% in the eurozone.

According to Eurostat, sales of food, beverages, and tobacco products in eurozone countries fell by 0.3% in March, while non-food products, excluding automotive fuel, showed a growth of 0.6%. Automotive fuel sales, by contrast, decreased by 1.6%.

Among EU countries, the highest monthly growth in retail trade was registered in Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Belgium. At the same time, a decline in sales was observed in Germany, Malta, as well as Italy and Latvia.

In the annual comparison, the growth leaders were Bulgaria, Hungary, and Malta. Cyprus, showing a growth of 6.1%, was among the countries with the most dynamic retail sector development, which may indicate continued consumer activity and stable domestic demand.

Economists note that the growth of retail trade in Cyprus is supported by the development of the service sector, tourism, and a gradual recovery in consumer confidence, despite persistent inflationary pressures and international economic instability.