In 2024 a drop in freight transported by all modes of transport

Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data show that in 2024, compared to 2023, freight transport by all modes of transport has reduced.

89.3 million tonnes of freights were carried by land transport, a decrease of 7.1 % compared to 2023.

Refer to the OSP database:TRK030c, TRK120c

Increase of 13.6 % recorded in international freight transport by road

In 2023 rail transport freights comprised 11.1 million tonnes, which is 28.2 % less than in 2023. National freights by rail comprised 1.8 million tonnes – 9.9 % more. In international traffic the volume of freight transported by rail comprised 9.2 million tonnes, a drop of 32.8 %. Of which export freight transport – 1.7 million tonnes, 50.3 % less, import freight transport – 6.8 million tonnes, drop of 28.1 %, but goods in transit – 0.7 million tonnes, 12.7 % less. In 2024 transportation of freights via Latvian ports comprised 6.9 million tonnes, which is 35.2 % less than in 2023.

Freights by road comprised 78.2 million tonnes, which is 3.1 % less than in 2023 Transportation of national freights comprised 61.3 million tonnes, 6.8 % less than a year ago. Transportation of international freights accounted for 16.9 million tonnes – 13.6 % more. Of which export freight transport comprised 4.7 million tonnes, 0.5 % less. Transportation of import freight fell by 7.2 % and comprised 3.2 million tonnes of freight. Cross-trade and cabotage freights comprised 9 million tonnes, 34.2 % more than in 2023. 78.1 % of total road freights were transportation for hire or reward. They rose by 2.1 %.

Freight transport by land transport

(million tonnes)

Refer to the OSP database:TRK030c, TRK120c

Volume of wood chips loaded at ports increased by 40.5 %

In 2024 cargo loaded and unloaded at ports comprised 36 million tonnes, which is 6.8 % less than in 2023. Freight turnover at Riga port was 18.1 million tonnes, 3.9 % less, at Ventspils port – 8.2 million tonnes or 21 % less, at Liepāja port – 7 million tonnes or 2.5 % less, but at minor ports – 2.7 million tonnes or 20.7 % more.

Freights loaded at ports comprised 26.7 million tonnes, which is 1.3 % more than in 2023. Volume of freights in containers increased by 3.9 %, volume of timber by 28.8 %, but of wood chips by 40.5 %. In turn, volume of coals loaded reduced by 68.4 %, of roll on/roll off by 8.2 %, of oil products by 1.7 %, of grain and grain products by 5.2 %.

9.3 million tonnes of freights were unloaded at ports, their volume fell by 24.2 %. Volume of unloaded freights in containers reduced by 17.6 %, of ores by 74.2 %, of coals by 76.6 %, of roll on/roll off by 8.1 %. But volume of oil products increased by 27.6 %.

Riga International Airport loaded and unloaded 18.8 thousand tonnes of freights or 1.9 % less than in 2023.

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

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