Marios Antoniou: No shortages for the Easter table but tariffs have caused supply chain uncertainty

The current week is anticipated to be an important one for retail, as consumers are expected to flood the market to purchase festive dishes and the necessary products for the Easter table.

At the same time, the retail sector is anticipating rapid developments and uncertainty created in the global supply chain by the imposition of sweeping tariffs by the US and the ongoing trade war.

Traffic in supermarkets will peak on the two-day weekend of Good Friday and Saturday, as the Cypriot consumer public, as usual, makes purchases of increased value and volume at the last minute.

Timely orders for the increased demand for lambs and kids

Speaking to InBusinessNews , the General Secretary of the Pancyprian Retail Trade Association (PASYLE), Marios Antoniou, gave assurances that there is an abundance and variety of products and options in the market, in order to meet needs, while for traditional Easter dishes, such as lamb, orders have been placed in time to meet the occasion’s increased demand.

"Despite the significantly increased wholesale price for lambs and goats (from €8/kg to €11/kg) imported from the Greek market, which was hit last year by outbreaks of plague and smallpox, in combination with the massive exports from Greece to countries such as Italy and Spain, due to Catholic Easter which coincided with Orthodox Easter, orders from Cyprus were nevertheless placed on time," Antoniou pointed out in this regard, emphasising that based on intense and fierce competition, supermarkets will absorb a large part of the increase in price so that it does not reach the final consumer as it is.

Variety of products and plenty of choices

Regarding Easter markets, it should be noted that they do not have the same momentum as the corresponding markets that take place during the Christmas period, in all sectors of retail (clothing, footwear, technology items, etc.), as these days the priority for consumers is food, especially delicacies, such as flaounes, tsourekia and egg dyes, as well as some specialised products, such as candles.

According to Marios Antoniou, there is a variety of products, as well as ample choices for all households and consumers. "There is a wide range of products, both domestic and imported, for all budgets, while the prices of chocolate eggs, which had increased due to international price increases in cocoa prices, are stabilising," he noted.

It is recalled that general stores, including supermarkets, will operate on Good Friday and Good Saturday, 18 and 19 April , until 6pm, while they will remain closed on Easter Sunday and Monday, 20 and 21 April.

Trade war disrupts supply chain

Although the effects of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the US have not yet been reflected in the Cypriot market, the intense international concern about disruptions in global trade and the supply chain, which has experienced intense shocks in recent years due to the pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian and Middle Eastern crises, as well as Houthi attacks, leaves no room for complacency.

The disruption that has been created in global trade and international uncertainty are not accidental, as the consequences of the trade war, which will become apparent over time, are expected to reach the end consumer.

"Currently, Cyprus does not appear to be substantially affected due to the low volume of exports to the US, while the competent bodies are reassuring about the possible impact of the announced tariffs," pointed out the General Secretary of PASYLE, clarifying, however, that continuous monitoring of developments and vigilance are required, as a possible recession in another major European economy cannot be ruled out as well as affecting the Cypriot market, which depends largely on imports.

"Any impact is not expected to be that immediate, but because everything is imported in Cyprus, we should constantly monitor developments and be on the alert," Antoniou added.

A significant concern in retail will arise if and when problems arise from suppliers regarding adherence to product delivery schedules, quantities ordered, or any product shortages, which has not occurred so far.

(Source: InBusinessNews)