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The twenty imports Cyprus is best placed to replace.

Cyprus imported USD 11bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 3.2bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 872mthe twenty, imported in 2024
61products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
483products Cyprus already exports well
210product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Cyprus already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Cyprus would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Cyprus does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromTurkey 36%, 9 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFerrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204 (exports USD 41m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 254m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2).

    USD 254mup 13% on 2022
  2. 2

    Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not containing cocoa: communion wafers, empty...HS 190590

    Comes fromGreece 35%, 62 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPrepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or... (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 6m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 36m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 68m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2).

    USD 68mup 40% on 2022
  3. 3

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromUnited Arab Emirates 54%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 24m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 18 per cent (2); United Arab Emirates supplies 54 per cent (1).

    USD 38mdown 27% on 2022
  4. 4

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromTurkey 38%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCigars, cheroots and cigarillos: containing tobacco including the... (exports USD 46m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 63m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2).

    USD 63mup 21% on 2022
  5. 5

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromGreece 44%, 44 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow... (exports USD 6m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 55m, top 13 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Greece supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 55mdown 6% on 2022
  6. 6

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromGreece 59%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWashing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 46m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); Greece supplies 59 per cent (1).

    USD 46mup 64% on 2022
  7. 7

    Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91HS 490199

    Comes fromGreece 69%, 97 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPrinted matter: dictionaries, encyclopaedias and serial instalments... (exports USD 27k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 429k
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 30m, top 26 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1); Greece supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 30mup 56% on 2022
  8. 8

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromGreece 71%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthLighters: pocket, cigarette, gas fuelled, refillable (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 27m, top 28 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); Greece supplies 71 per cent (2).

    USD 27mup 18% on 2022
  9. 9

    Ice cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoaHS 210500

    Comes fromGreece 48%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 44m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 57k
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Greece supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 23mup 42% on 2022
  10. 10

    Extracts, essences and concentrates: of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or...HS 210111

    Comes fromGreece 66%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 44m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 264k
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 37 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Greece supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 21mup 27% on 2022
  11. 11

    Mortars and concretes: non-refractoryHS 382450

    Comes fromGreece 88%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthReagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared... (exports USD 3m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 20m, top 44 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Greece supplies 88 per cent (2).

    USD 20mup 53% on 2022
  12. 12

    Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous mediumHS 320910

    Comes fromGreece 50%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaints and varnishes: (based on polymers other than acrylic or... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 568k
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 45 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Greece supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 19mup 28% on 2022
  13. 13

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellularHS 392111

    Comes fromGreece 88%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: tube, pipe and hose fittings (e.g. joints, elbows, flanges) (exports USD 25m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 47 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1); Greece supplies 88 per cent (2).

    USD 19mup 11% on 2022
  14. 14

    Aluminium: alloys, hollow profilesHS 760421

    Comes fromGreece 66%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 24m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 18m
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 17m, top 50 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Greece supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 17mup 43% on 2022
  15. 15

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromGreece 73%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow...
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 37m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 15m, top 57 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); Greece supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 15mup 9% on 2022
  16. 16

    T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610910

    Comes fromGreece 23%, 108 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrack suits: of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 47m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 47mup 24% on 2022
  17. 17

    Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feedingHS 230910

    Comes fromItaly 22%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the... (exports USD 22m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 44m, top 20 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 44mup 15% on 2022
  18. 18

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromGreece 19%, 57 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 44m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 552k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 34 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2).

    USD 23mup 24% on 2022
  19. 19

    Marble, travertine and alabaster: simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surfaceHS 680221

    Comes fromGreece 55%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCement, concrete or artificial stone: tiles, flagstones and similar... (exports USD 974k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 30k
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 37 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Greece supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 22mup 61% on 2022
  20. 20

    Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 611030

    Comes fromSpain 53%, 72 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrack suits: of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 888k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cyprus's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Spain supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 21mup 13% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Cyprus already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Tankers imports USD 521m, exports USD 82m, top source China 46%
  • Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight exceeding... imports USD 207m, exports USD 66m, top source United States 80%
  • Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of... imports USD 94m, exports USD 13m, top source Greece 30%
  • Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other... imports USD 78m, exports USD 6m, top source Greece 33%
  • Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no.... imports USD 492m, exports USD 424m, top source Greece 33%
  • Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding imports USD 57m, exports USD 7m, top source Greece 40%
  • Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 imports USD 89m, exports USD 44m, top source Greece 32%
  • Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not... imports USD 57m, exports USD 15m, top source China 23%
  • Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for... imports USD 44m, exports USD 3m, top source Singapore 34%
  • Wine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or less imports USD 40m, exports USD 13m, top source Greece 24%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 210 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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