During the first quarter of the year, a total of 64.2 million packages were shipped from e-commerce companies to private individuals in Sweden. This represents a strong volume increase of 16.9 percent, equivalent to approximately 9.3 million more packages compared to the first quarter last year. At the same time, packages from abroad accounted for 32.8 percent of the total volume. Swedish exports also showed high volumes, with export packages from Swedish e-commerce companies amounting to approximately 9.4 million shipments during the period.
Highest Measured Level
A notable trend in Transportföretagen's latest Package Index is that the share of packages from abroad amounted to 32.8 percent during the first quarter, which is the highest level ever measured. In the first quarter of 2022, almost one in six packages came from abroad, compared to one in three this quarter.
The development is largely driven by foreign low-price players, but also by increasing interest in second hand, where trade increasingly takes place across borders between private individuals.
The rapid increase in international packages reflects how e-commerce is changing. Consumers are shopping more from abroad, and the transport industry is adapting to meet that demand. This places demands on proper infrastructure, clear regulations and continued transition towards fossil-free transport, says Tina Thorsell, public policy manager at Transportföretagen.
Exports a Growing Segment
A new segment for the quarter in the report is export packages from Swedish e-commerce players to private individuals abroad. During the period, these amounted to approximately 9.4 million shipments, an increase of 23.1 percent compared to the same quarter last year. The development is in line with reports showing that Swedish e-commerce players are a first choice for Nordic consumers when shopping from abroad.
Returns at Historically Low Level
During the period, just over 4.1 million packages were returned, which is the lowest number measured in the Package Index. The return rate was 6.4 percent, a decrease from the same quarter in 2022 when it was 12.4 percent.
The decline is partly explained by increased trade from foreign low-price players, where returns are often more difficult to carry out. Also, the rapid growth within second hand, where returns are uncommon, contributes to the development. In addition, e-commerce is growing most within industries with generally low return rates, such as the pharmacy industry.
Second Hand Gains Market Share
Over 7 million second hand packages were shipped via marketplaces during the first quarter. The segment's share has increased from 2.7 percent in the first quarter of 2023 to nearly 11 percent in the same quarter of 2026, reflecting a growing interest in buying and selling used goods. This is confirmed by the fact that three second hand players are on the top list of consumers' favorite players in 2025, with Vinted accounting for the biggest climb from seventeenth to eighth place.
The rapid growth within second hand shows that Swedes are changing their consumer behavior, while new platforms are becoming increasingly popular. This is positive for sustainability, and by increasing support for the transition of transport, we can make the entire chain even more sustainable, says Jonas Hagelqvist, CEO of Transportföretagen.