In H1 2023 a drop in freight transport by all modes of transport

Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data show that in H1 2023, compared to H1 2022, freight transport by all modes of transport has decreased.

41.8 million tonnes of freights were carried by land and pipeline transport, a decrease of 16.5 % compared to a year ago.

Refer to the OSP database: TRK030C, TRK120C, TRK170C

In H1 2023 rail transport freights comprised 7.7 million tonnes, which is 36 % less than in H1 2022. National freights by rail comprised 0.7 million tonnes – 11.4 % more. In international traffic the volume of freight transported by rail comprised 7 million tonnes, a drop of 38.8 %. Of which export freight transport amounted to 2 million tonnes, 43.5 % more, import freight transport – 4.6 million tonnes, a drop of 47.7 %, but goods in transit – 0.4 million tonnes, 67 % less. As compared to H1 2022, transportation of freights via Latvian ports comprised 5.5 million tonnes, which is 35.6 % less.

Freights by road comprised 34.1 million tonnes, which is 9.8 % less than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Transportation of national freights comprised 26.4 million tonnes, 10.3 % less than a year ago. Transportation of international freights accounted for 7.7 million tonnes – 8.1 % less. Of which export freight transport comprised 2.6 million tonnes, 5.2 % less. Transportation of import freight fell by 6.4 % and comprised 1.6 million tonnes of freight. Cross-trade and cabotage freights comprised 3.5 million tonnes, 11 % less than in the previous year. 80.1 % of total road freights were transportation for hire or reward. They fell by 8.1 %.

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

Freight transport by land and pipeline transport in H1

(million tonnes)

Refer to the OSP database: TRK030C, TRK120C, TRK170C

In H1 2023 the cargo loaded and unloaded at ports comprised 20.2 million tonnes, which is 14.2 % less than in H1 2022. Freight turnover at Riga port was 9.6 million tonnes, 14.9 % less, at Ventspils port – 5.7 million tonnes or 21.7 % less, at Liepāja port – 3.6 million tonnes or 7 % less, but at minor ports – 1.3 million tonnes or 17.8 % more.

In H1 2021 freights loaded at ports comprised 13.2 million tonnes, which is 24.3 % less than in H1 2022. Coal loaded comprised 1.1 million, which was 2.8 million tonnes or 72.2 % less. The volume of freights in containers fell by 10.3 %, of roll on/roll off by 15.2 %, of oil products loaded by 33.4 %, of wood chips by 4.6 %. But volume of timber increased by 6.8 % and of grain and grain products by 17.4 %.

7 million tonnes of freights were unloaded at ports, their volume rose by 14.8 %. Volume of unloaded freights in containers rose by 7.6 %, of coals by 75.1 %, of building materials 4.3 times and volume of iron ore by 81.3 %. But volume of oil products unloaded reduced by 10.7 %, of roll on/roll off by 1.8 %, of timber by 37.1 %, of grain and grain products by 66.8 %.

Riga International Airport loaded and unloaded 9.4 thousand tonnes of freights or 14.6 % less than in H1 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