Italy: Railway Sleeper Market 2025

Railway Sleeper Market Size in Italy

For the sixth year in a row, the Italian railway sleeper market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -17.1% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption saw a abrupt decline. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Railway Sleeper Exports

Exports from Italy

In 2021, exports of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood from Italy totaled X cubic meters, stabilizing at 2020 figures. In general, exports faced a dramatic decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 127%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X cubic meters in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, railway sleeper exports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a sharp descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 59% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Slovenia (X cubic meters) and Greece (X cubic meters) were the main destinations of railway sleeper exports from Italy.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Slovenia (with a CAGR of -7.4%).

In value terms, France ($X) remains the key foreign market for railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood exports from Italy, comprising 58% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Spain ($X), with a 23% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to France amounted to -53.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Spain (-46.2% per year) and Greece (-56.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average railway sleeper export price amounted to $X per cubic meter, declining by -19.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a precipitous setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 305% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per cubic meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was France ($X per cubic meter), while the average price for exports to Slovenia (less than $X per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United Arab Emirates (+1,387.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Railway Sleeper Imports

Imports into Italy

In 2021, the amount of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood imported into Italy fell rapidly to X cubic meters, declining by -19.6% against 2020 figures. In general, imports recorded a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 153%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X cubic meters. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper imports shrank to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 43% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Austria (X cubic meters) constituted the largest supplier of railway sleeper to Italy, with a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, railway sleeper imports from Austria exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X cubic meters), sevenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Switzerland (X cubic meters), with a 4.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Austria totaled +11.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (-22.5% per year) and Switzerland (+30.5% per year).

In value terms, Austria ($X) constituted the largest supplier of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood to Italy, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by France ($X), with a 9.3% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 3.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Austria amounted to +4.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (-26.1% per year) and Germany (-35.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average railway sleeper import price stood at $X per cubic meter in 2021, surging by 6.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 45% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per cubic meter in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per cubic meter), while the price for Switzerland ($X per cubic meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hungary (+17.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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