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Imports and exports in detail

From which countries does Denmark buy fruit and vegetables? To which countries does Denmark sell transport services? The statistics compile Denmark’s international trade based on a detailed breakdown on commodity groups, service groups and partner countries.

Selected statistics on Imports and exports in detail

This page shows selected popular statistics on the subject of Imports and exports in detail. In Statbank Denmark, you can find more data and compile your own statistics.

International trade in goods crossing the border

This map highlights Denmark’s trading partners in terms of goods crossing the border. When changing the settings under ‘Filters’, you can see where different commodity groups (SITC main groups) are typically exported to or imported from. You see the value of the trade (shown in 1,000 DKK) by marking the relevant country. You can move and minimize the ‘Filters’ box by pressing the icons at the top of the box.
More about the figure
Last update
10.6.2024
Next update
11.3.2025
Source data

The statistics are compiled on the basis of two general sources: Extrastat and Intrastat.

Extrastat covers Denmark's trade in goods (imports and exports) with non-EU countries (third country) on the basis of the data on customs and supplies reported by business enterprises to the Danish tax authorities concerning their trade in goods with countries outside the EU. Consequently, Extrastat is an administrative (secondary) source.

Intrastat is the system behind the statistics of the trade of goods between Denmark and the other EU countries. Prior to the introduction of EC's Single Market on 1 January 1993, this trade was also covered by the Extrastat-system. However, following the introduction of the Single Market, the requirement concerning customs and forwarding documents in connection with intra-EU trade was abolished. Consequently, Extrastat was no longer able to provide information about this trade and Intrastat was introduced on 1 January 1993.

Intrastat is primarily based on monthly data reports submitted to Statistics Denmark by approximately 7,500 business enterprises in Denmark with regard to their trade in goods with enterprises in other EU countries (supplemented by information about EU trade derived from the VAT declarations that are filled out by all enterprises liable to pay VAT in Denmark). Consequently, Intrastat is a statistical (primary) source.

In addition to Intrastat and Extrastat, trade data are also collected via other data sources. Data on vessels and aircrafts are partly coming from registers kept by Danish Maritime Authority and Danish Transport Authority, respectively. Data on sea products landed in foreign harbor are coming from The Danish AgriFish Agency and trade in electricity is based on data on the actual transmission across the borders provided by the grid operator, http://www.Energinet.dk.

International trade in services

This map highlights Denmark’s trading partners with regard to services. When changing the settings under ‘Filters’, you can see where different service groups (items) are typically exported to or imported from. You see the value of the trade (shown in million DKK) by marking the relevant country. You can move and minimize the ‘Filters’ box by pressing the icons at the top of the box.
More about the figure
Last update
9.12.2024
Next update
9.1.2025
Source data

The most important source of the statistics is Survey on international trade in services, a combination of monthly reports from approx. 390 firms and annual reports from approx. 1300 firms. The statistical population for Survey on international trade in services is assumed to consist of approx. 40.000 units (cvr. numbers), which according to different assumptions are considered to be covering the total foreign trade in services. Supplementary information from other sources on travel as well as on other items is used. Most important source for travel revenues is the interviews with foreign travelers in Denmark which is carried out in cooperation with VisitDenmark. Travel expenditure is compiled using different information on consumption by Danes abroad, number of nights abroad, and transport abroad from statistics from other countries. Information on public services is provided through statistics on public finance. Private consumers import of electronic services from abroad is estimated on data derived from the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) VAT system. The MOSS system captures sales of electronically delivered services to non-taxable Danish residents. This data is supplemented with an estimate of gambling services based on the statement of income from betting, lotteries and casino business from the Danish gaming authorities. Other sources are estimates of illegal trade across the border (find more information on the method on Major revision of national accounts).

Development in exports and imports of goods crossing the border

Here you can see the development in the value of exports and imports of goods crossing the border.
More about the figure
Last update
9.12.2024
Next update
9.1.2025
Source data

The statistics are compiled on the basis of two general sources: Extrastat and Intrastat.

Extrastat covers Denmark's trade in goods (imports and exports) with non-EU countries (third country) on the basis of the data on customs and supplies reported by business enterprises to the Danish tax authorities concerning their trade in goods with countries outside the EU. Consequently, Extrastat is an administrative (secondary) source.

Intrastat is the system behind the statistics of the trade of goods between Denmark and the other EU countries. Prior to the introduction of EC's Single Market on 1 January 1993, this trade was also covered by the Extrastat-system. However, following the introduction of the Single Market, the requirement concerning customs and forwarding documents in connection with intra-EU trade was abolished. Consequently, Extrastat was no longer able to provide information about this trade and Intrastat was introduced on 1 January 1993.

Intrastat is primarily based on monthly data reports submitted to Statistics Denmark by approximately 7,500 business enterprises in Denmark with regard to their trade in goods with enterprises in other EU countries (supplemented by information about EU trade derived from the VAT declarations that are filled out by all enterprises liable to pay VAT in Denmark). Consequently, Intrastat is a statistical (primary) source.

In addition to Intrastat and Extrastat, trade data are also collected via other data sources. Data on vessels and aircrafts are partly coming from registers kept by Danish Maritime Authority and Danish Transport Authority, respectively. Data on sea products landed in foreign harbor are coming from The Danish AgriFish Agency and trade in electricity is based on data on the actual transmission across the borders provided by the grid operator, http://www.Energinet.dk.

Development in exports and imports of services

Here you can see the development in the value of exports and imports of services.
More about the figure
Last update
9.12.2024
Next update
9.1.2025
Source data

The statistics are prepared on the basis of the foreign trade statistics, cf. External trade in goods and International trade in services, and furthermore financial statistics of Danmarks Nationalbank (the Danish central bank) and information from public authorities, cf. General Government Finances. Supplementary information from other statistics is used, and supplementary information is collected with the International trade in services. Some of the sources are used as they stand while others are used as indicators of development.

On the statistics – documentation, sources and method

Gain an overview of the purpose, contents and quality of the statistics. Learn about the data sources of the statistics, the contents of the statistics and how often they are published.

See the documentation of statistics to learn more:

External Trade of Organic Products

The purpose of these statistics is to give information on the magnitude and composition of the turnover of organic foods in external trade. The survey was conducted the first time for the year 2003 with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

International Trade in Goods

The statistics shows the development in Denmark's external trade in goods at a detailed level (imports and exports) by country and type of commodity. The statistics have been compiled regularly since 1838 covering 1836 and onwards.

International Trade in Services

Foreign trade in services describes the trade in services (imports and exports) with other countries. The trade is described both in terms of type of services and in terms of partner country/area. The statistics were introduced in connection with the termination of the settlement statistics in Danmarks Nationalbank by new-year 2004/05, cf. Balance of payments.

Need more data on Imports and exports in detail?

You can go on searching on your own in Statbank Denmark. Find further detailed figures, e.g. on trade in specific commodity groups, service groups and countries. 

Contact

Pia Nielsen
Phone: +45 30 61 93 05