In Q1 2023 a drop in freight transport by all modes of transport

Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data show that in Q1 2023, compared to Q1 2022, freight transport by all modes of transport has decreased.

20.6 million tonnes of freights were carried by land and pipeline transport, a decrease of 17.8 % compared to a year ago.

Refer to the OSP database:TRK030C, TRK120C, TRK170C

In Q1 2023 rail transport freights comprised 4.4 million tonnes, which is 35.4 % less than in Q1 2022. National freights by rail comprised 0.4 million tonnes – 18.2 % more. In international traffic the volume of freight transported by rail comprised 4 million tonnes, a drop of 38.4 %. Of which export freight transport – 1.2 million tonnes, 74.3 % more, import freight transport – 2.5 million tonnes, drop of 47.5 %, but goods in transit – 0.2 million tonnes, 77.7 % less. In Q1 2023 transportation of freights via Latvian ports comprised 3.3 million tonnes, which is 30.9 % less than in Q1 2022.

Freights by road comprised 16.2 million tonnes, which is 10.9 % less than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Transportation of national freights comprised 12.4 million tonnes, 10.2 % less than a year ago. Transportation of international freights accounted for 3.8 million tonnes – 13.2 % less. Of which export freight transport comprised 1.5 million tonnes, 2.4 % less. Transportation of import freight rose by 2.2 % and comprised 0.9 million tonnes of freight. Cross-trade and cabotage freights comprised 1.5 million tonnes, 27.6 % less than in the previous year. 81.8 % of total road freights were transportation for hire or reward. They fell by 6.6 %.

No transportation of oil products via main oil products pipeline took place.

Freight transport by road and pipeline transport in Q1

(million tonnes)

Refer to the OSP database:TRK030C, TRK120C, TRK170C

In Q1 2023 the cargo loaded and unloaded at ports comprised 11 million tonnes, which is 10.6 % less than in Q1 2022. Freight turnover at Riga port was 5.3 million tonnes, 8.6 % less, at Ventspils port – 3.1 million tonnes or 20.9 % less, at Liepāja port – 1.9 million tonnes or 6.8 % less, but at minor ports – 0.7 million tonnes or 29.1 % more.

Freights loaded at ports comprised 7.1 million tonnes, which is 24.2 % less than in Q1 2022. Coal loaded comprised 0.8 million, which was 1.4 million tonnes or 63.8 % less. The volume of freights in containers fell by 11.2 %, of roll on/roll off – by 10.9 %, of oil products loaded – by 30 7 %, of grain and grain products – by 0.9 %, of wood chips – by 2.1 %. But volume of timber increased by 9.3 %.

3.9 million tonnes of freights were unloaded at ports, their volume rose by 33.8 %. Volume of oil products unloaded increased by 13.5 %, of freights in containers – by 20 %, of coal – 2.1 times, of roll on/roll off – by 5 %, of timber – by 3.6 %, of building materials unloaded – increased 5.3 times. But volume of grain and grain products reduced by 55.8 %.

Riga International Airport loaded and unloaded 4.6 thousand tonnes of freights or 28.4 % less than in Q1 2022.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on the data:
Vida Lukaševiča
Transport and Tourism Statistics Section
E-mail: Vida.Lukasevica@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366681