Port of Switzerland braves 2023's economic waves
The Port of Switzerland recorded an 8% increase in cargo handling in 2023, totalling 4.97 million t, slightly below the 5 million mark. The rise was attributed to a 46.5% increase in the storage of mineral oil products after a significant reduction in 2022. Container traffic however did not reach the previous year's high levels, due to unfavourable water levels in the last quarter and challenging global economic conditions throughout the year.
Results in the three ports varied. The Auhafen Muttenz and Hafen Birsfelden saw significant upticks in throughput, while Hafen Kleinhüningen, which focuses on containers and agricultural products, experienced a decline. In all three ports, import traffic rose by almost 12%, while export traffic fell by over 7%.
Container traffic decreased by 13.4%, as 2022’s post-Covid “rebound traffic” was reduced, and stock levels remained high in 2023. Liquid fuel imports surged by 46.5% in order to replenish stocks after the price hikes in 2022.
Agricultural and foodstuff imports declined by 41%. This was due to the fact that many European goods in this segment are imported by truck or rail and that deliveries were delayed in anticipation of the new tariff quotas to be introduced in 2024.
Other sectors posted a varied performance, with declines in imports of construction materials and vehicles due to economic factors, while chemical imports decreased but exports remained stable, suggesting that Swiss industries still have ample stocks of raw materials. (pb)