Experts: Halloumi from Northern Cyprus Expected to Enter EU Market by 2026

Halloumi, Cyprus’ iconic cheese, may finally make its way to the European market via the Republic of Cyprus in 2026 under the EU’s Green Line Regulation. This news comes in the same week that Jordan introduced restrictions on imported halloumi.

Mustafa Ergyuven, Deputy Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), shared this update during an interview on the “Sabahın Haberleri” program on Kıbrıs Postası TV. Commenting on Jordan’s new import restrictions, Ergyuven explained that the move is part of a broader policy by Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture targeting all foreign-made halloumi and similar cheeses—not any specific country.

He noted that although Jordan is an important export destination, the restriction is designed to support local producers and is expected to last for about three years. The decision, Ergyuven said, should motivate Turkish Cypriot producers to diversify their offerings and explore new export markets.

Halloumi has been a key Cypriot export for centuries. Although the cheese received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union in 2021, exports from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the southern part of the island have yet to begin due to bureaucratic obstacles.

Experts estimate that TRNC’s halloumi exports could generate up to €52 million in 2024—none of which is currently expected to come from EU countries. For comparison, the Republic of Cyprus brings in around €300 million annually from halloumi exports—roughly six times more.

Producers in TRNC are actively engaged in discussions with EU and Republic of Cyprus authorities to increase trade under the Green Line Regulation. According to industry experts, TRNC-made halloumi could hit European store shelves as early as 2026.