Fast Market Research recommends "Latvia Freight Transport Report 2013" from Business Monitor International, now available

Boston, MA -- (SBWire) -- 03/07/2013 --In promising news for Latvia's freight industry, data released by the EU's statistical office Eurostat showed that Latvia's exports increased by 14% in the first eight months of 2012, compared with the corresponding period in 2011. This was the largest rise in the European Union. Additionally, the country's foreign trade deficit stood at EUR1.5bn in the reported period, compared with EUR1.2bn in January-July 2011.

In terms of opportunities going forward, eventual membership of the eurozone will reduce transaction costs and eliminate foreign exchange risk for inter-bloc trade and investment. This will provide scope for Latvia to expand and diversify its export markets, as well as attracting more foreign investment over the longer term.

BMI retains its positive outlook towards Latvia's fiscal deficit, and forecast it to narrow to 1.9% of GDP in 2013 and 1.8% in 2014. On its current trajectory, the country's fiscal situation should not present any obstacles to eurozone accession, and borrowing costs remain extremely low by historical standards. However, we caution that Latvia's relentless focus on government austerity may be at the expense of long-run economic growth and social stability.

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The rail and road freight modes are both set for healthy growth over the next 12 months with increased spending in these spheres expected over the medium term. Latvia's largest port at Riga is set to be beaten on performance (taking the form of year-on-year tonnage growth) by the Port of Ventspils, while the worst-performing freight mode is set to be the underperforming air freight sector.

Headline Industry Data

- 2013 port of Riga tonnage throughput is forecast to grow 2.90%.
- 2013 Port of Ventspils tonnage throughput is forecast to rise 6.00%.
- 2013 air freight tonnage throughput is forecast to increase 1.10%.
- 2013 rail freight tonnage throughput is forecast to rise 6.70%.
- 2013 road freight tonnage throughput is forecast to grow 5.66%.
- 2013 total trade real growth is forecast to rise 3.25%.

Key Industry Trends

Upside Risk To Riga's Already Positive Outlook

Latvia's Port of Riga made a solid start to 2012, recording an annual increase in both total tonnage and container volumes in January. We hold the view that 2012 will have been another year of growth for the port and that while the growth trajectory is forecast to slow due to macroeconomic considerations, there is upside risk to our current forecasts from the drive by Latvia's maritime sector to expand its client base.

Massive Hike In Riga Cargo Throughput

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