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

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

96.1 million tonnes of freights were carried by land and pipeline transport, a decrease of 6.3 % compared to a year ago.

Refer to the OSP database: TRK030c, TRK120c, TRK170c

In 2023 rail transport freights comprised 15.4 million tonnes, which is 27.5 % less than in 2022. National freights by rail comprised 1.7 million tonnes – 3.6 % less. In international traffic the volume of freight transported by rail comprised 13.7 million tonnes, a drop of 29.6 %. Of which export freight transport – 3.5 million tonnes, 6.4 % less, import freight transport – 9.4 million tonnes, drop of 31.6 %, but goods in transit – 0.8 million tonnes, 59.4 % less. In 2022 transportation of freights via Latvian ports comprised 10.7 million tonnes, which is 27.1 % less than in 2022.

Freights by road comprised 80.7 million tonnes, which is 0.3 % less than in the previous year. Transportation of national freights comprised 65.8 million tonnes, 1.5 % more than a year ago. Transportation of international freights accounted for 14.9 million tonnes – 7.8 % less. Of which export freight transport comprised 4.8 million tonnes, 7.5 % less. Transportation of import freight fell by 2.5 % and comprised 3.4 million tonnes of freight. Cross-trade and cabotage freights comprised 6.7 million tonnes, 10.5 % less than in the previous year. 74.2 % of total road freights were transportation for hire or reward. They fell by 4.8 %.

No transportation of oil products via main oil products pipeline took place in 2023.

Freight transport by land and pipeline transport

(million tonnes)

Refer to the OSP database: TRK030c, TRK120c, TRK170c

In 2023 cargo loaded and unloaded at ports comprised 38.7 million tonnes, which is 19.6 % less than in 2022. Freight turnover at Riga port was 18.8 million tonnes, 20.1 % less, at Ventspils port – 10.4 million tonnes or 29.3 % less, at Liepāja port – 7.2 million tonnes or 4.9 % less, but at minor ports – 2.2 million tonnes or 0.3 % more.

Freights loaded at ports comprised 26.4 million tonnes, which is 21.7 % less than in 2022. Coal loaded comprised 2.2 million, which was 4 million tonnes or 64.2 % less. The volume of timber fell by 2.4 %, of roll on/roll off by 16.5 %, of oil products loaded by 54.3 %, of wood chips by 1.2 %. But volume of freights in containers increased by 7.3 %, of grain and grain products by 22.4 %.

12.3 million tonnes of freights were unloaded at ports, their volume fell by 14.6 %. Volume of unloaded freights in containers rose by 9.8 %, of iron ore by 23.5 %, of building materials 2.6 times. But volume of oil products unloaded reduced by 40.7 %, of roll on/roll off by by 7.2 %, of coals by 32.2 %.

Riga International Airport loaded and unloaded 19.2 thousand tonnes of freights or 9.2 % less than in 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