Search tenders
Made here

The twenty imports Denmark is best placed to replace.

Denmark imported USD 98bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 91bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 3.8bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
57products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1445products Denmark already exports well
816public purchases of goods joined to a product family, from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU)
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Denmark already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Denmark would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition carries public buyers from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 3,556 award notices from 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, joined to each product's customs heading through a crosswalk we authored. The buyers are shown as context and do not change the score, because award values in these records include framework ceilings and outliers that would distort it. The regional layer (where the capability sits) is built only where a country publishes regional trade by product, and Denmark does not publish it in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed...HS 440711

    Comes fromSweden 67%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), in the rough... (exports USD 6m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 229m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 168m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Sweden supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 168mup 20% on 2022
  2. 2

    Undenatured ethyl alcohol: of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higherHS 220710

    Comes fromBelgium 41%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: mixes and doughs for the preparation of bread... (exports USD 101m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 686k
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 158m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Belgium supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 158mdown 39% on 2022
  3. 3

    Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks, slabs or bars, (not filled), weighing 2kg or lessHS 180632

    Comes fromSweden 43%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks... (exports USD 36m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 19m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 72m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 88m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); Sweden supplies 43 per cent (1).

    USD 88mup 45% on 2022
  4. 4

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromPoland 61%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 68m, top 24 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); Poland supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 68mup 13% on 2022
  5. 5

    Wine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or lessHS 220421

    Comes fromFrance 34%, 63 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWine: still, in containers holding more than 2 litres but not more... (exports USD 24m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 81m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 209m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 546m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 546mdown 6% on 2022
  6. 6

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than...HS 853710

    Comes fromGermany 19%, 98 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 367m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 69m
    Public buyers in the family2 awards from 2 buyers. Most frequent: Rigspolitiet

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 514m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1).

    USD 514mup 15% on 2022
  7. 7

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromGermany 15%, 75 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical apparatus: parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks... (exports USD 158m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 104m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 457m
    Public buyers in the family8 awards from 4 buyers. Most frequent: Energinet Eltransmission A/S

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 411m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 411mup 26% on 2022
  8. 8

    Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899

    Comes fromGermany 32%, 91 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 229m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 145m
    Public buyers in the family4 awards from 4 buyers. Most frequent: Ørsted Bioenergy & Thermal Power A/S

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 390m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 390mup 15% on 2022
  9. 9

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Comes fromGermany 21%, 93 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMedical, surgical instruments and appliances: tubular metal needles... (exports USD 45m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 205m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 76m
    Public buyers in the family83 awards from 21 buyers. Most frequent: Region Midtjylland

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 358m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1).

    USD 358mup 8% on 2022
  10. 10

    Perfumes and toilet watersHS 330300

    Comes fromGermany 31%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthColours: in sets, of a kind used by artists, students or signboard... (exports USD 8m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 79m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 149m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 149mup 74% on 2022
  11. 11

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromFinland 35%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 31m
    Public buyers in the family1 award from 1 buyer. Most frequent: Region Nordjylland

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 141m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (1).

    USD 141mup 33% on 2022
  12. 12

    Paper articles: toilet paperHS 481810

    Comes fromSweden 55%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 133m
    Public buyers in the family1 award from 1 buyer. Most frequent: Region Hovedstaden

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 131m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Sweden supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 131mup 12% on 2022
  13. 13

    Trailers, semi-trailers and other vehicles not mechanically propelled: parts thereof for heading no. 8716HS 871690

    Comes fromGermany 50%, 46 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicle parts: silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes: parts thereof (exports USD 69m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 52m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 77m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 123m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1); Germany supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 123mup 4% on 2022
  14. 14

    Electrical apparatus: switches n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853650

    Comes fromGermany 46%, 89 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectric motors and generators: parts suitable for use solely or... (exports USD 535m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 63m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 407m
    Public buyers in the family8 awards from 5 buyers. Most frequent: Energinet Eltransmission A/S

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 123m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Germany supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 123mup 4% on 2022
  15. 15

    Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of glass, (not ampoules), used for the...HS 701090

    Comes fromGermany 40%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 62m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 100m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Germany supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 100mup 64% on 2022
  16. 16

    Extracts, essences and concentrates: of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or...HS 210111

    Comes fromNetherlands 52%, 48 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 96m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Netherlands supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 96mup 15% on 2022
  17. 17

    Ice cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoaHS 210500

    Comes fromNetherlands 18%, 35 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: sausages and similar products, of meat, meat... (exports USD 205m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 15m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 84m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2).

    USD 84mup 11% on 2022
  18. 18

    Vehicles: for transport of goods, n.e.c. in heading no. 8704HS 870490

    Comes fromGermany 76%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 1.2bn
    Public buyers in the family23 awards from 15 buyers. Most frequent: Aabenraa Kommune

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 56m, top 29 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Germany supplies 76 per cent (2).

    USD 56mup 22% on 2022
  19. 19

    Liqueurs and cordialsHS 220870

    Comes fromGermany 46%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 13m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 180m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 40m, top 39 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Germany supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 40mup 13% on 2022
  20. 20

    Buildings: prefabricated, of woodHS 940610

    Comes fromSweden 34%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFurniture: parts, of wood (exports USD 79m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 76m
    Public buyers in the family2 awards from 2 buyers. Most frequent: Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 40 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Denmark's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (3).

    USD 39mdown 7% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Denmark already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted imports USD 411m, exports USD 211m, top source Bangladesh 50%
  • Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of... imports USD 444m, exports USD 269m, top source Bangladesh 36%
  • Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more... imports USD 187m, exports USD 18m, top source Germany 74%
  • Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not... imports USD 451m, exports USD 286m, top source Germany 30%
  • Seats: with wooden frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental... imports USD 333m, exports USD 181m, top source Poland 44%
  • Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 imports USD 650m, exports USD 509m, top source Poland 20%
  • Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of... imports USD 256m, exports USD 121m, top source Turkey 18%
  • Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of cotton... imports USD 339m, exports USD 209m, top source Bangladesh 50%
  • Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type) imports USD 214m, exports USD 84m, top source Germany 59%
  • Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of... imports USD 412m, exports USD 285m, top source Germany 19%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1303 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Public buyers, context only, never scored: 3,556 award notices from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, of which 1,308 were classified by the buyer as goods and 816 joined to a product family through a crosswalk we authored, because no official one exists. Only notices whose code names a specific product group are joined; broad division codes are left out. The join is a family, not an exact line, and the counts are a floor.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

Want the Denmark edition kept current?

Leave an address and each new edition comes to you as the record moves. Tick the box if you would want the next layer for Denmark: which public bodies buy each line, once that record is readable.

Your address is used to send this list and its later editions, nothing else. Privacy

What Denmark buys, and from whom: the trade lanes into Denmark.

Run a company? Check it against the developments BuzzBaboon follows, free.