Northern America: Railway Sleeper Market 2025

Railway Sleeper Market Size in Northern America

The North American railway sleeper market expanded sharply to $X in 2021, growing by 8.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Railway Sleeper Production in Northern America

In value terms, railway sleeper production expanded markedly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Railway Sleeper Exports

Exports in Northern America

In 2021, shipments abroad of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood decreased by -12.4% to X cubic meters, falling for the sixth consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports faced a significant decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 42% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X cubic meters in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper exports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a dramatic decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 28%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the one major exporters of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood, namely Canada, represented more than two-thirds of total export.

Canada was also the fastest-growing in terms of the railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood exports, with a CAGR of -2.8% from 2012 to 2021. Canada (+99 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Canada ($X) also remains the largest railway sleeper supplier in Northern America.

In Canada, railway sleeper exports plunged by an average annual rate of -3.8% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Northern America amounted to $X per cubic meter, surging by 6.7% against the previous year. Export price indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% 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 export price increased by +29.5% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the export price increased by 62%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Canada.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Canada amounted to -1.0% per year.

Railway Sleeper Imports

Imports in Northern America

In 2021, overseas purchases of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood increased by 1.4% to X cubic meters, rising for the fourth year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, imports showed modest growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 66% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X cubic meters. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, railway sleeper imports rose remarkably to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +39.2% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Canada (X cubic meters) represented the largest importer of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood in Northern America, mixing up 100% of total import.

Canada was also the fastest-growing in terms of the railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood imports, with a CAGR of +1.4% from 2012 to 2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Canada increased by +3.4 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Canada stood at +10.0%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Northern America stood at $X per cubic meter in 2021, picking up by 9.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the import price increased by 39% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Canada amounted to +8.5% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :