The share of dangerous goods transported in the EU (in tonne-kilometres) remained the same in 2019 and 2020: around 4% of the EU total.
The Member States that recorded the highest shares of dangerous goods in their road transport were Cyprus (9% in 2019, 12% in 2020), Belgium (10%, 9%) and Finland (8%, 7%). In contrast, Slovakia, Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Latvia recorded shares of dangerous goods of less than 2% in 2019; Ireland, Lithuania and Slovakia recorded such low shares also in 2020.
The largest group transported was ‘flammable liquids’, accounting for more than half of the total transport of dangerous goods in tonne-kilometres (54% in 2019 and 53% in 2020). ‘Gases’ (compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure) accounted for 14% in 2019 and 15% in 2020, while ‘corrosives’ accounted for 12% in both years. The distribution between the different types of dangerous goods has remained relatively stable over time.
With regards to the types of all (dangerous and non-dangerous) goods transported in 2020, 'metal ores and other mining and quarrying products' was the largest product group transported in terms of tonnage, accounting for one quarter (25%) of the EU total. Together, 'other non-metallic mineral products' and 'food, beverages and tobacco', each with a share of 12% of the total, nearly accounted for a further quarter. Another important product group was 'agricultural, forestry and fishery products', with a share of 10%.
For more information:
- Malta: data not included; Malta is exempted from reporting road freight statistics because there are fewer than 400 goods road transport vehicles that are registered in the country and licensed to engage in international transport.
- Eurostat Statistics Explained articles on road freight transport by type of goods
- Eurostat database section dedicated to transport including road freight transport
- Eurostat website section dedicated to transport
To contact us, please visit our User Support page.
For press queries, please contact our Media Support.