Intermodal containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish market for intermodal containers contracted from over $45 million in 2018 to under $30 million by 2021. This period coincided with long-term transport system planning and identified needs for investment to shift freight from road to rail and intermodal transport, though these foundational efforts did not immediately stimulate market volume.

A clear recovery and expansion phase began from 2022 onward, with the market size reaching nearly $40 million by 2024. This growth was directly supported by the launch of VR's daily intermodal trunk connection between Helsinki and Oulu ports, a significant service enhancement aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness. Furthermore, global supply chain disruptions and a strong regulatory focus on sustainable logistics increased demand for specialized intermodal container solutions, driving market expansion.

Production intermodal freight containers in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Production of intermodal containers in Finland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 12 993 K $ US, reflecting an abrupt decrease of 35.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 27.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 22 444 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 25.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Finland produced 203.0 units of intermodal containers, representing a controlled fall of 9.8% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Exports intermodal freight containers from Finland

Exports in kind, unit

Finland's exports of intermodal containers increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 2 287 units, indicating a robust increase of 19.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 456 units, which also saw the largest decline of 14.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 31.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, exports of intermodal containers from Finland were spread across many countries. Sweden accounted for 15.1% of exports in kind, Germany for 12.4%, and Russia for 12.3%, jointly representing only 39.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, cross-border shipments of intermodal containers from Finland declined. In 2020, Finland exported 7 445 K $ US worth of intermodal containers, which is 19.4% weaker compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 37.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 9 237 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 54.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017 to 2020, Sweden was the largest buyer with 28.0% of exports in value terms, followed by Russia at 12.8% and Germany at 6.2%. However, their combined share reached only 47.0% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 53.0% distributed among many other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Finland in value, 2017-2020

Imports intermodal freight containers to Finland

Imports in kind, unit

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes sank to the lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.5 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of intermodal containers to Finland came to 10 690 units, equivalent to a sharp improvement of 123.7% compared with 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 778 units, while the maximum was in 2018 at 12 093 units. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 60.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, Estonia, and Belgium formed the key group of partners for imports in kind of intermodal containers to Finland. China accounted for 30.9% of imports in kind, Estonia for 20.2%, and Belgium for 15.7%, jointly representing 66.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, imports of intermodal containers to Finland came to 26 972 K $ US, showing a rise of 16.2% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 23 217 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 28 779 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—China, Estonia, and Belgium—together absorbed 68.8% of total imports in value terms of intermodal containers to Finland.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Finland in value, 2017-2020