Latvia, e-commerce and logistics
Latvia is a new consumer market for e-commerce. There is a lot of potential – especially for businesses who understand the market.
Why Latvia?
Latvia is one of the Baltic countries, bordering Estonia, Russia, Lithuania and Belarus. It has access to the Baltic Sea.
Covering an area of just 64 589 km² , Latvia is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The country has a diverse landscape, including forests, lakes, and rivers and is known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions. The capital (and largest) city of Latvia is Riga.
As of 2024, Latvia’s economy is doing well. GDP per capita is projected to reach approximately $34,623 – industry is the biggest part of Latvian GDP. 1
- 42.17%2
- Percentage of population that purchase online
- 10.1%
- Share of e-commerce in Latvian revenue
- 1.5%
- Share of e-commerce in Latvia’s GDP
The e-commerce landscape
Even though the Latvian e-commerce market is small, it is expanding at a steady pace. The sector has benefitted from a continual compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% since 2019. That’s no small feat for a market of Latvia’s size.
The major e-commerce platform in the country is 220.lv. It belongs to the Lithuanian company Pigu and offers a variety of goods, including electronics, personal care and apparel. In July 2023, 220.lv recorded 2.5 million visits, one of the highest traffic figures among online marketplaces in the Baltics. 3
The most common products bought online by Latvian consumers are clothes, shoes and sporting goods, tickets for events, household goods, electronic equipment, and travel and holiday accommodations. It seems that Latvian consumers are expanding their shopping habits across a variety of categories.5
Latvia is the 73rd largest market for e-commerce with a predicted revenue of US$751.0 million by 2024, placing it ahead of Bolivia 4
Opportunities
Latvians are open minded when it comes to cross-border shopping. They appreciate the variety of products available online, including niche items and products that may not be available locally. The most popular product category to buy from foreign online stores in Latvia is clothing, footwear and accessories.
For Latvian customers, shipping is seen as the biggest hurdle in cross-border e-commerce. It often takes too long and is expensive, and returns can be problematic. Ironing out these issues can help solidify brand loyalty for any overseas company wishing to sell their goods in Latvia.
Logistics
A study conducted between May and July 2023 found that delivery to a parcel locker station was the most common shipping location among regular online shoppers in Latvia. Parcel lockers were also the most used method among ecommerce customers for returning products in Latvia as of June 2021. At-home delivery ranked second, with over a half of Latvian e-shoppers using this method of delivery.
Most common shipping locations amongst e-shoppers in Latvia in 2023
Share of respondents
You can familiarise yourself with the weights and prices of sending a package to Latvia using our helpful shipping rates chart
Keep in mind
Despite Latvia having a progressive e-commerce market, the logistics sector faces challenges. In early 2024, Latvian ports experienced an 11.4% decrease in cargo turnover compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, the volume of freight transported by rail, sea, and air declined, while road freight saw an increase.6
What our experts say:
“Selling in Latvia is a great option for growth-minded online merchants. Providing a seamless delivery and returns experience will help you assert a stronger presence.”
Simon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS
To find out more about how SAMOS can help you achieve fast and cost-effective deliveries to Latvia get in touch today
1. https://ecommercegermany.com/blog/european-ecommerce-overview-latvia
2. https://www.statista.com/topics/11331/e-commerce-in-latvia/
3. https://www.statista.com/topics/11331/e-commerce-in-latvia/
4. ecommercedb.com/markets/lv/all
5. https://ecommercegermany.com/blog/european-ecommerce-overview-latvia
6. https://ecommercegermany.com/blog/european-ecommerce-overview-latvia