The most common way of transporting traded goods to and from Europe
In 2018, the total value of the EU’s imported and exported goods transported by sea to non-EU countries was EUR 2 006 billion. Sea transport accounted for 47% of goods exported and 55% of goods imported.
The second most common way of transporting goods was by air (30% of EU exports and 21% of EU imports). Road followed with shares of 18% for exports and 14% for imports, and rail with 1.2% and 1.4% respectively.
Comparing 2018 with 2002, sea was the mode of transport for EU trade in goods that increased the most.
This item is published on the occasion of the World Maritime Day on 26 September 2019.
For further information including data by EU Member State, see the Statistics Explained article International trade in goods by mode of transport.
Source: Eurostat
