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Report South Africa - Railway or Tramway Sleepers (Cross-Ties) of Wood - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights for 499$
Report Update Mar 1, 2025

South Africa - Railway or Tramway Sleepers (Cross-Ties) of Wood - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: Railway Sleeper Market 2025

Railway Sleeper Market Size in South Africa

After three years of growth, the South African railway sleeper market decreased by -11.2% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, showed a strong increase. Railway sleeper consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Railway Sleeper Production in South Africa

In value terms, railway sleeper production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 48%. Railway sleeper production peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Railway Sleeper Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood decreased by -13.5% to X cubic meters, falling for the second year in a row after four years of decline. Overall, exports continue to indicate a sharp decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 194% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X cubic meters in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, railway sleeper exports rose significantly to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 126% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (X cubic meters), Malawi (X cubic meters) and Kenya (X cubic meters) were the main destinations of railway sleeper exports from South Africa, together accounting for 78% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Malawi (with a CAGR of +19.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Kenya ($X) remains the key foreign market for railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood exports from South Africa, comprising 56% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Namibia ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Botswana, with a 9.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Kenya amounted to -12.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-4.0% per year) and Botswana (-10.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average railway sleeper export price amounted to $X per cubic meter, picking up by 23% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 108%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Kenya ($X per cubic meter), while the average price for exports to Tanzania ($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 Namibia (+46.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Railway Sleeper Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2020, purchases abroad of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood increased by 100% to X cubic meters, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a sharp decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 527% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X cubic meters. From 2016 to 2020, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper imports declined remarkably to $X in 2020. In general, imports, however, recorded a dramatic slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 54%. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2020, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from No country was relatively modest.

In value terms, Mozambique ($X) constituted the largest supplier of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Mozambique stood at -49.6%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average railway sleeper import price amounted to $X per cubic meter, increasing by 230% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 762% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per cubic meter in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, 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 Mozambique.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Mozambique amounted to -16.6% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The countries with the highest volumes of railway sleeper consumption in 2020 were Chile, Belarus and China, with a combined 64% share of global consumption.
The countries with the highest volumes of railway sleeper production in 2020 were Chile, Belarus and China, together accounting for 68% of global production.
In value terms, Mozambique constituted the largest supplier of railway sleeper to South Africa, comprising 31% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Egypt $2), with a 0% share of total imports.
In value terms, Kenya remains the key foreign market for railway sleeper exports from South Africa, comprising 53% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Namibia, with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, with a 7.4% share.
In 2020, the average railway sleeper export price amounted to $356 per cubic meter, waning by -36.5% against the previous year.
In 2020, the average railway sleeper import price amounted to $2,605 per cubic meter, reducing by -9.8% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the railway sleeper 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 16103200 - Railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of impregnated wood

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:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

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:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  11. 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

  12. 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

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