Cyprus has a small domestic market and due to the open nature of its economy, access to international markets is of the utmost importance. As a result, trade has always played a crucial role in the development of the economy. During 2009, exports accounted for 6% of the country's GDP.

A closer look at export performance by basic product classes, shows that manufactured products rose in 2009 to £250 million and constituted 61% of domestic exports.The most important manufactured products exported during 2009 were pharmaceuticals (£93 million), photosensitive semiconductor devices (£50 million), waste and scrap (£26 million), cigarettes (£9.5 million), plastic products (£5.2 million), paper products (£4.3 million) and furniture (£4.3 million), aluminium products (£3.5 million), clothing (£2.6 million) and pumps for liquids (£2.6 million).

This sustainability against the worldwide economic downturn can be attributed to a number of practices: small labour-intensive plants that are flexible in order sizes with well-qualified workers adept at learning new technologies; the modern technology employed ensures products of the highest quality and long shelf life; modern design techniques; quick turn-around times and improved marketing. In addition, all production, packaging and storage procedures adhere strictly to European regulations and standards.