Manufacturing, the largest component of the secondary sector, consisted mainly of light manufacturing. Government policies, especially since the events of 1974, had long aimed at strengthening light manufacturing and increasing its export production. The trade agreement with the EEC that went into effect in 1988 could have momentous effects on this subsector, most obviously in removing the tariffs that had protected Cypriot manufacturing from foreign competition. Energy production and construction were also significant components of this sector.

Data as of January 1991