Gothenburg sees rise in exports outside Europe
During the first six months of the year, the number of containers exported via the Port of Gothenburg rose by three per cent, setting a new volume record and reflecting strong Swedish export volumes to markets outside Europe.
Trade flows within Europe, however, continue to be weak.
In recent years, there have been positive signs of a strong rise in Swedish exports to markets outside Europe. This trend was confirmed by freight flows at the Port of Gothenburg during the first six months of the year. The majority of global commercial goods are packed in containers and this is where the increase is most noticeable.
“The bulk of container exports from Sweden pass through the Port of Gothenburg and these strong freight flows, mainly to Asia and the US, are extremely encouraging," said Magnus Karestedt, chief executive of the Port of Gothenburg.
Imports, however, were not quite up to the mark during the first six months with a fall of six per cent. Imports mainly take the form of consumer goods such as clothes, furniture, electronics and foodstuffs.
In total, 458,000 TEUs were shipped via the Port of Gothenburg during the first six months, 2,000 more than the corresponding period last year. A major development during the spring was the decision by the shipping company alliance G6 to start a new deep-sea service between Gothenburg and Asia.