Container Shipping From Portugal

Portugal officially declared as the Portuguese Republic, is a country located southwest of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Once regarded as Europe’s greatest power, Portugal features a lot of similarities in culture and geography to most countries north of Europe and the Mediterranean. The Republic of Portugal is bordered north and east by Spain and shares a maritime border with Africa’s Morocco.

Located at the center of Portugal lies its capital Lisbon, a position the city has held since 1255. The history of Lisbon as the capital city revolves around its strategic geographical position at the edge of Tagus – the Iberian Peninsula’s longest river. The city is a critical seaport for foreign trade across the Mediterranean through to Northern Europe. It has significantly benefited from its proximity to southern and western Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Today, Lisbon is one of Europe’s major economic centers, with one of the largest container ports on the continent’s Atlantic coast. As of 2021, the city’s GDP amounted to US$110.3 billion, the 40th highest gross earnings globally. Portugal has a nominal GDP of $255.854 billion, a 6.2% rise from the previous year.

Since the third quarter of 2014, Portugal’s economy has seen an unstable expansion rate, with impressive feats such as a drop in the unemployment rate accompanied by fluctuating GDP. All these culminate in Portugal’s ranking of 51st in terms of nominal GDP.

Portugal’s Biggest Exports

According to 2020 data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Portugal shipped US$62.2 billion of goods to different locations, making it the 43rd biggest exporter in the world. While this remains quite impressive, it shows an 8% decline from 2019’s export value of $67 billion.

There are, however, attempts to revitalize the nation’s export sector by expanding exports to other countries such as Japan and Malta and increasing the number of certain export products, including iron, steel, tobacco, and pharmaceutical products.

The majority of Portugal’s exports stay in Europe, with Spain (25.5%), France (13.5%), Germany(11.8), and the United Kingdom(5.7%) taking up well over half of the country’s total exports. Aside from European countries, the United States, with 5%, and Angola, with 1.9%, make up Portugal’s other significant trading partners.

Portugal’s main exports are vehicles, valued at about $8.5 billion. The high rate of automobile exports is bound to continue with the country featuring a top automobile sector and increased demand for this product globally.

Below is a more comprehensive outline of Portugal’s top ten biggest exports, their values, and how much they contribute to the country’s overall annual export.

• Motor Vehicles & Parts: $10.1 billion (16.1%)
• Electronics: $5.3 billion (8.5%)
• Oil & Mineral Fuels: $4.1 billion (6.6%)
• Industrial Machinery: $4 billion (6.4%)
• Plastics: $3.3 billion (5.3%)
• Apparel & knit: $2.4 billion (3.9%)
• Furniture: $2.2 billion (3.5%)
• Paper: $2.2 billion (3.5%)
• Footwear: $2.1 billion (3.3%)
• Iron & Steel Articles: $1.8 billion (2.9%)

Freight Forwarding And Container Shipping Options

Portugal’s container shipping and maritime sector are pretty advanced due to a boost in foreign investments, technology, and government policies. There are a total of 40 seaports and riverports that occupy highly developed facilities that meet global maritime standards.

As part of the European Union, Portugal has mutual agreements and similarities regarding trade with other EU countries. Hence, an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for exports to other EU countries. Exporters use the EORI reference number in all electronic communication with Customs and government agencies in Portugal and the destination.

Individuals can ship cargo from Portugal; however, freight businesses must be registered with all relevant licenses. Additionally, factors like authorization, approval, standardization, and packaging depends on the cargo’s nature. The Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority is responsible for executing government regulations regarding exports, controlling illegal trade, and gathering customs duties.

Portugal’s freight forward market has also witnessed growth in the past decade driven by infrastructural developments and an increase in exports – at least till 2019. Current signs suggest the market would continue to rise due to the surge in the E-commerce industry, along with the government’s commitment to developing logistics infrastructure.

Ship From Portugal With Total Connection

If predictions are anything to go by, then Portugal will soon experience a significant export boost. In line with that, Total Connection is here to satisfy all present and potential export requirements. We provide a full suite of container shipping solutions, including project cargo, dry cargo, reefer, liquid solutions, and other trade services.

At Total Connection, we strive to connect Portugal to the world; hence, we offer European and short-sea networks as well as outstanding global coverage. Our professionals are well-versed in the worldwide market and the dynamics of specific trades, which ensures we are prepared to overcome factors that could affect exports. Our network of trade routes also allows us to offer competitive rates and transit times.

All this experience and ability come with an unparalleled dedication to our customers. Hence, we put in the effort to understand each requirement and develop a productive, lasting relationship. Explore our tailored range of services today and export your goods wherever and whenever possible.