EU: Railway Sleeper Market 2025

Railway Sleeper Market Size in the EU

In 2021, the EU railway sleeper market decreased by -5.1% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after four years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a perceptible descent. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Railway Sleeper Production in the EU

In value terms, railway sleeper production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Railway Sleeper Exports

Exports in the EU

Railway sleeper exports declined slightly to X cubic meters in 2021, waning by -2.6% on the year before. In general, exports continue to indicate a precipitous contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 48%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X cubic meters. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper exports contracted modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a sharp decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

France dominates exports structure, recording X cubic meters, which was near 95% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Italy (X cubic meters), committing a 5.3% share of total exports.

Exports from France decreased at an average annual rate of -49.0% from 2012 to 2021. Italy (-45.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of France (+82 p.p.) and Italy (+4.9 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, France ($X) remains the largest railway sleeper supplier in the European Union, comprising 100% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Italy ($X), with a 0.5% share of total exports.

In France, railway sleeper exports shrank by an average annual rate of -51.3% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the European Union stood at $X per cubic meter in 2021, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the export price increased by 56%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per cubic meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was France ($X per cubic meter), while Italy stood at $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (-4.4%).

Railway Sleeper Imports

Imports in the EU

In 2021, supplies from abroad of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood decreased by -0.2% to X cubic meters, falling for the second consecutive year after four years of growth. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X cubic meters in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, railway sleeper imports rose slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The purchases of the one major importers of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood, namely France, represented more than two-thirds of total import.

France was also the fastest-growing in terms of the railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood imports, with a CAGR of +6.8% from 2012 to 2021. France (+86 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, France ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood in the European Union.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in France amounted to +9.3%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the European Union stood at $X per cubic meter in 2021, increasing by 5% against the previous year. Import price indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, railway sleeper import price increased by +71.4% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the import price increased by 63% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for France.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for France amounted to +2.3% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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