Spotlight on Malta: A niche market with huge potential

Spotlight on Malta: A niche market with huge potential

The famous trading post of Malta is a key location within The Rhenus Group’s network. Famed from a trading standpoint for its numerous bays and good harbours, the island straddles across some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Historically, Malta has been of immense strategic importance as a trading post between Europe and North Africa.

“A lack of natural resources ensures Malta has a higher dependence than most countries on imports, with demand ranging from raw materials to finished goods and consumables”

Comprising seven islands which lie 50 miles south of Italy, the former British colony of Malta gained its independence in 1964, becoming a full member of the EU in 2004.

Germany is Malta’s biggest export market, followed by France, Italy, Hong Kong and Singapore, while the value of merchandise exports from Malta totalled $2.67 billion in 2020 (Trend Economy 2020). Although a niche market, it is one that The Rhenus Group believes has huge potential for future growth.

“A lack of natural resources ensures Malta has a higher dependence than most countries on imports, with demand ranging from raw materials to finished goods and consumables,” explains Gary Crane, Freight Forwarder and Transport Supervisor, Rhenus Logistics. “Malta’s main exports include machinery, mechanical appliances, fish, crustaceans and printed materials. Rhenus has also identified growing export trends, including among electrical and pharmaceutical products.”

Working with a local partner, Thomas Smith, The Rhenus Group’s flagship road freight service to Malta is widely recognised as market leading. With an unrivalled ability to source the right logistics solution, whatever the client’s need, The Rhenus Group’s scope of services include:

  • Weekly groupage and full trailer load services
  • Express/time-critical services
  • Out of gauge/flat-bed services
  • Temperature controlled services
  • Documentation services
  • Customised solutions

For more information on services to and from Malta and how The Rhenus Group can work with businesses to solve their import and export needs click here to Get a Quote (rhenus.group)