Lithuanian transport sector overview: In 2023, road freight volumes grew rapidly, more passengers were carried

Lithuanian transport and logistics sector maintained stable growth in 2023 and generated 18.8 billion euros income. Passenger transportation also increased last year with nearly 7% more passengers carried by all types of transport.

“Although the mood of economic uncertainty prevailed at the beginning of 2023, the Lithuanian transport and logistics sector remained competitive. This was mostly influenced by the increased flows of both international and domestic road freight. At the same time, we noticed that increasingly more residents are travelling by public transport and railways, Lithuanian aviation sector is aiming for new heights as well”, said Natalija Baranauskienė, Analyst at the Ministry of Transport and Communications and Senior Advisor of the International Cooperation Group.

According to preliminary data, during the first three quarters of 2023, the export of Lithuanian transport services reached 6.83 billion euros. Investments in the sector increased by almost a third, i.e., up to 1.62 billion euros.

Comparing 2023 results vs 2022, goods transportation by various types of transport increased by 11 per cent (up to 156 million tonnes), of which 20 per cent (120 million tonnes) by road. Last year, 12 per cent less (27.2 million tonnes) goods were transported by rail, by sea transport – 11 per cent less (6.47 million tonnes), via Lithuanian airports – 6 per cent less (20.1 thousand tonnes), and by inland water transport – 3.3 per cent more (1.47 million tonnes). One of the most important last year’s projects – the modernisation of the Nemunas shipping route – was completed at the end of the summer 2023.