According to the findings of the Statistical Service total imports in the year’s first quarter totaled CYP 614,7 mln compared with CYP 507,9 mln in the first quarter of 2000, representing a 37.6% increase. The total value of exports for the same period decreased to CYP 143,9 mln from CYP 144,6 mln. The trade deficit for the first quarter of 2001 shapes up to CYP 470,7 mln, a CYP 107,4 mln increase in comparison to last year (CYP 363,3 mln)

The value of goods imported for domestic consumption reached CYP 523,5 mln, a CYP 108,4 mln or 26.1% increase from CYP 415,1 in the corresponding period in 2000. Intermediate inputs imported for home consumption valued at CYP 172,9 accounting for 33%, while consumer goods summed up to CYP 131,1 mln or 25.1%. Transport equipment reached CYP 88.6 mln or 16,9%, and fuels and lubricants totaled CYP 61,8 mln or 11,8%

Domestic exports amounted to CYP 56,3 mln in the first quarter of 2001, a 3,1% decrease from CYP 58,1 mn in the corresponding period in 2000, while re-exports totaled CYP 87,6 mn with a 1.3% increase. Industrial products of domestic produce exported in the first quarter of 2001 amounted to CYP 41,7 mln representing 77,4% of the total compared to CYP 41,1 mln or 79,1% in the first quarter of 2000. Agricultural products valued at CYP 11,8 mn were exported compared to CYP 11,3 mn during last year’s first quarter.

The European Union supplied Cyprus with 49,6% of its imports, valued at CYP 305 mln, and absorbed 51,2% or CYP 28,1 mln of Cyprus’ domestic exports.