
South Africa - Railway or Tramway Sleepers (Cross-Ties) of Wood - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
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View PricingSouth 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
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:
- How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
- How to load your idle production capacity
- How to boost your sales on overseas markets
- How to increase your profit margins
- How to make your supply chain more sustainable
- How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
- How to outsource production to other countries
- 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.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
- REPORT DESCRIPTION
- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
- DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
- GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
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2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Quick Overview of Market Performance
- KEY FINDINGS
- MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
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3. MARKET OVERVIEW
Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
- MARKET SIZE
- MARKET STRUCTURE
- TRADE BALANCE
- PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
- MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
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4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
- BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
- MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
- MOST TRADED PRODUCT
- MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
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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- TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
- TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
- LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
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6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO- TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
- TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
- UNSATURATED MARKETS
- TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
- MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
- PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
- IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
- IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
- IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
- EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
- EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
- EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
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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
- Key Findings In 2024
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Market Value, 2012–2024
- Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
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LIST OF FIGURES
- Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Market Value, 2012–2024
- Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
- Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
- Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
- Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
- Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
- Market Volume Forecast to 2030
- Market Value Forecast to 2030
- Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
- Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
- Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
- Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
- Production Volume And Growth
- Exports And Growth
- Export Prices And Growth
- Market Size And Growth
- Per Capita Consumption
- Imports And Growth
- Import Prices
- Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
- Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
- Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
- Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
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