The value of wholesale trade and motor vehicle-related activities in Cyprus continued to rise in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released on Friday by the state statistical service.

The turnover value index for wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles, recorded an annual increase of 4.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a continued upswing in the broader wholesale distribution market.

Within this category, wholesale trade of household goods posted the highest growth, with a 12.4 per cent annual increase, followed by wholesale of other machinery, equipment and supplies, which rose by 7.1 per cent.

What is more, food, beverages and tobacco also showed solid performance, registering a 6.8 per cent year-on-year increase.

In contrast, declines were recorded in wholesale on a fee or contract basis (down 7.9 per cent) and in the wholesale of information and communication equipment (down 4.1 per cent), indicating weaker demand in these more specialised segments.

Meanwhile, the turnover value index for the sale and repair of motor vehicles rose by 1.3 per cent during the same period, driven largely by robust gains in the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts, which surged by 42.2 per cent.

Sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories increased by 8.9 per cent, and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles were up 6.9 per cent.

However, the overall figure was weighed down by a 3.1 per cent drop in the sale of motor vehicles.