Halloumi Becomes Top Export from the TRNC

Halloumi, the traditional Cypriot cheese, has become the top export product from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkey continues to be the largest market for this beloved cheese. According to the TRNC Statistical Institute, the country’s exports have steadily increased from 2019 to 2023.

In 2019, total exports amounted to 87.008 million dollars, growing to 106.3 million dollars in 2020, 134.8 million dollars in 2021, 140.413 million dollars in 2022, and reaching 176.237 million dollars in 2023.

For the past five years, halloumi has ranked as the top export product from the TRNC. Its export volume grew by 38.8% in 2019, 35.5% in 2020, 27.9% in 2021, 32.2% in 2022, and 34.2% in 2023. Other dairy products, such as cheese and curd, also contribute to the country's exports.

Next in line are citrus fruits, with mandarins, clementines, and oranges leading the way. In 2019, citrus exports made up 9.9% of total exports. This increased to 14.8% in 2020, 11.0% in 2021 and 2022, and 16.4% in 2023.

Another important export sector is non-hazardous metal waste. In 2019, exports grew by 6.4%, followed by 6.2% in 2020, 11.5% in 2021, and 10.6% in 2022. However, there was a slight decline of 3.6% in 2023.

Exports to Turkey have also seen a steady increase. In 2019, the value of exports to Turkey was 52.1 million dollars, rising to 126.883 million dollars by 2023. Other major export destinations include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States.