"Last year, it was the high export volumes that contributed to 2023 being the best year ever for the Port of Gothenburg in terms of container handling. On the import side, it was more challenging, with a decrease of nearly 20% for the entire year. The low import figures were explained by high interest rates and a weakened Swedish krona as key contributing factors reducing Swedish consumer demand. But now the trend has reversed. During the first quarter of this year, the import of container goods increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2023," the Gothenburg Port Authority (GPA) analysed in a press release. It also reads, "During the first quarter of 2024, exported containers increased by 4% compared to the same period last year."

Claes Sundmark, GPA's Vice President Sales & Marketing, added, "Now we are back to import volumes at levels similar to those before the pandemic. And the signals we are receiving from the market indicate that major importers in sectors such as retail expect strengthened purchasing power and increased demand from Swedish consumers going forward."