The information and telecommunications technology (ICT) sector in Latvia began in the 1960s when the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science was founded. The latter institute developed expert technology for Soviet moon programs and had 800 employees working on R&D projects. In 1992, with UNESCO support, Latvia established its first internet connection, after which internet and computer use expanded rapidly. These well-established institutes and stellar achievements prove the solid legacy and tradition of education, technology, and R&D in Latvia.

The importance of the ICT sector in the Latvian economy is growing year by year, accounting for 6.7% of Latvia's GDP in 2023. 

In 2023, 7,060 companies were active in the ICT sector. Only 104 of them were producing ICT equipment, 468 specialized in ICT equipment sales, while 6,488 companies were operating in ICT services, including 342 in the telecommunications industry. In 2023, the ICT sector employed more than 43 000 people. 

Turnover of ICT Sector, billion EUR

Latvia exports ICT products mainly to the Baltic market, around 44 %. Communication equipment accounted for 52 %, consumer electronic equipment – for 20 %, and computers and peripheral equipment – for 14 % of all ICT products exported by Latvia in 2023.

In 2023, the foreign trade surplus of ICT services reached EUR 764 million. The main trade partners of ICT services were the USA, Ireland, the UK, and Cyprus.   

Additional information
Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia: www.csb.gov.lv
Latvian Information Technology and Telecommunications Association: www.likta.lv
Latvian Internet Association: www.lia.lv
Association of Computer Technologies of Latvia: www.itnet.lv
Latvian IT Cluster: www.itbaltic.com