Southern Asia: Railway Sleeper Market 2025

Railway Sleeper Market Size in Southern Asia

The South Asian railway sleeper market rose remarkably to $X in 2021, picking up by 7.9% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Railway Sleeper Production in Southern Asia

In value terms, railway sleeper production rose notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Railway Sleeper Exports

Exports in Southern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood decreased by -9.1% to X cubic meters, falling for the fifth consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports continue to indicate a precipitous shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 161% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X cubic meters in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper exports fell rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports faced a sharp curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 136% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Pakistan dominates exports structure, recording X cubic meters, which was approx. 94% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by India (X cubic meters), creating a 6% share of total exports.

Pakistan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood exports, with a CAGR of +15.3% from 2012 to 2021. India (-51.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Pakistan increased by +93 percentage points.

In value terms, Pakistan ($X) remains the largest railway sleeper supplier in Southern Asia, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 4.8% share of total exports.

In Pakistan, railway sleeper exports increased at an average annual rate of +12.9% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Southern Asia amounted to $X per cubic meter, falling by -7.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, enjoyed a moderate increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the export price increased by 145%. The level of export peaked at $X per cubic meter in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Pakistan ($X per cubic meter), while India amounted to $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+3.3%).

Railway Sleeper Imports

Imports in Southern Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood decreased by -12.5% to X cubic meters, falling for the sixth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports saw a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 485%. The volume of import peaked at X cubic meters in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, railway sleeper imports reduced modestly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 847% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Pakistan prevails in imports structure, finishing at X cubic meters, which was approx. 95% of total imports in 2021. India (X cubic meters) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Pakistan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood imports, with a CAGR of +4.6% from 2012 to 2021. India (-42.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Pakistan (+82 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while India saw its share reduced by -81.2% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Pakistan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood in Southern Asia, comprising 98% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($X), with a 1.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Pakistan totaled +19.3%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Southern Asia amounted to $X per cubic meter, picking up by 13% against the previous year. Import price indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, railway sleeper import price increased by +59.1% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 62% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Pakistan ($X per cubic meter), while India amounted to $X per cubic meter.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan (+14.1%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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