Record-breaking growth in the Swedish container market

In the first quarter of 2024, the total Swedish container market grew by 8%, making it the strongest growth quarter ever. At the same time, demand for Swedish forestry products continues to increase, resulting in the highest ever export volumes via containers in the country’s history. APM Terminals Gothenburg continues to strengthen its position as the largest and most important container port in the Nordic region.

'The remarkable growth of the Swedish container market during the first quarter of the year was driven by strong exports of mainly forestry products, combined with an upturn in import volumes,', says Per Wahlström, market analyst at APM Terminals Gothenburg and continues: 

'It's only now that import volumes have returned to pre-pandemic levels. At APM Terminals, we can clearly see that all major import destinations on the railways are growing, creating a favourable balance between import and export'.

Sweden's large ports are growing – APM Terminals takes its place as 'Scandinavia's terminal'

According to recent figures from the Swedish Ports industry organisation, the trend is for the largest ports in Sweden to continue to grow, while the smaller ones lose volumes.

'APM Terminal’s growth curve is stable and clearly moving upwards. The unique geographical position, the huge range and the widespread rail network attract customers from all over Scandinavia' explains Per Wahlström, continuing: 'Now both Norwegian and Finnish goods are being handled in Gothenburg, and the railway network has been expanded with destinations that we could only dream of before'.

An exciting time for global container shipping

As we look out toward the global stage, Per Wahlström draws parallels with a chessboard. 'Shipping alliances break up and new ones are formed. What the shipping line network will look like next year is unknown at this point. '.Many people are waiting to see who will make the first move'.

'However, the forecast points to continued growth for APM Terminals. The market is signalling a clear interest, which we're well prepared to meet', he continues.

Preparation for when 'the blockage is removed'

To avoid the situation in the Red Sea, most container ships continue to choose the route via Africa’s south coast. However, the ports in northern Europe need to be well prepared for the day when the Suez Canal is safe to pass again, which will mean double traffic for a while', says Per Wahlström.
'The opening of the Suez Canal will also free up a lot of capacity and freight prices are expected to fall sharply. In the event of overcapacity, shipping companies traditionally choose to call at ports where there is the most cargo. This means that for industries in Scandinavia, the railway lines to APM Terminals Gothenburg will be more important than ever', he concludes.