Report Update Feb 1, 2025

South Africa - Electric Rail Locomotives - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: Electric Rail Locomotive Market 2025

Electric Rail Locomotive Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African electric rail locomotive market was finally on the rise to reach $X after four years of decline. In general, consumption, however, showed a slight descent. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Electric Rail Locomotive Production in South Africa

In value terms, electric rail locomotive production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 2.5%. Electric rail locomotive production peaked at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Electric Rail Locomotive Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of electric rail locomotives increased by 363% to X units, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, exports recorded a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 5,325% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X units. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, electric rail locomotive exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a pronounced expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 1,869%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X units) was the main destination for electric rail locomotive exports from South Africa, accounting for a 89% share of total exports. It was followed by Namibia (X units), with a 2.7% share of total exports. The third position in this ranking was taken by Botswana (X units), with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK totaled +54.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (0.0% per year) and Botswana (0.0% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for electric rail locomotives exports from South Africa, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Swaziland ($X), with a 2.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho, with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK totaled +50.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (-16.8% per year) and Lesotho (+60.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average electric rail locomotive export price amounted to $X per unit, surging by 61% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a abrupt decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 100% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Swaziland ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Lesotho (+60.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Electric Rail Locomotive Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, purchases abroad of electric rail locomotives increased by 703% to X units, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, saw a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 6,619% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X units in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, electric rail locomotive imports reduced notably to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, saw a sharp setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 1,347%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Spain (X units) constituted the largest electric rail locomotive supplier to South Africa, accounting for a approx. 19% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Spain totaled -43.3%.

In value terms, Spain ($X) constituted the largest supplier of electric rail locomotives to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Spain totaled -36.2%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average electric rail locomotive import price amounted to $X per unit, which is down by -91.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price faced a precipitous shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 586%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Spain amounted to +12.5% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for electric rail locomotives in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of in 2021 were Uzbekistan, China and Norway, with a combined 76% share of global consumption.

What are the largest producers of electric rail locomotives in the world?

China remains the largest electric rail locomotive producing country worldwide, accounting for 74% of total volume. Moreover, electric rail locomotive production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Germany, sixfold. Japan ranked third in terms of total production with a 2.6% share.

What are the leading suppliers of electric rail locomotives to South Africa?

In value terms, Spain constituted the largest supplier of electric rail locomotive to South Africa, comprising 86% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the United States $51), with a 2.6% share of total imports.

What are the leading importers of electric rail locomotives from South Africa?

In value terms, the largest markets for electric rail locomotive exported from South Africa were Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland, with a combined 95% share of total exports.

What is the average export price for electric rail locomotives in South Africa?

The average electric rail locomotive export price stood at $31 per unit in 2021, which is down by -15.5% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for electric rail locomotives in South Africa?

The average electric rail locomotive import price stood at $15 per unit in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the electric rail locomotive market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

Prodcom 30201100 - Rail locomotives powered from an external source of electricity

Country coverage:

South Africa

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

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This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
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While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024