Diesel-electric locomotives trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in diesel-electric locomotives was worth $1.37 billion in 2024, about 64.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 16% since 2017, and down 4% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.37B | 64.8K t |
| 2023 | $1.43B | 93.0K t |
| 2022 | $1.00B | 72.9K t |
| 2021 | $977.8M | 87.7K t |
| 2020 | $1.09B | 76.7K t |
| 2019 | $780.2M | 67.7K t |
| 2018 | $1.11B | 91.7K t |
| 2017 | $1.18B | 122.9K t |
Top diesel-electric locomotives exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 42% of world exports, followed by Spain and South Korea. The top three supply 79% between them, out of 43 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $571.5M | 42% |
| Spain | $297.9M | 22% |
| South Korea | $204.3M | 15% |
| China | $59.5M | 4.4% |
| France | $46.3M | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $40.6M | 3% |
| Germany | $31.1M | 2.3% |
| South Africa | $11.6M | 0.9% |
| Canada | $11.5M | 0.8% |
| Belgium | $10.2M | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $10.0M | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $8.8M | 0.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Tanzania is the biggest buyer with 15% of world imports, ahead of Mexico and Australia. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 35% across 84 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $206.7M | 15% |
| Mexico | $161.9M | 12% |
| Australia | $110.2M | 8.1% |
| Canada | $108.4M | 7.9% |
| Taiwan | $84.5M | 6.2% |
| Portugal | $72.9M | 5.3% |
| Switzerland | $61.8M | 4.5% |
| Finland | $51.3M | 3.8% |
| Egypt | $47.6M | 3.5% |
| Mongolia | $36.2M | 2.7% |
| Brazil | $34.7M | 2.5% |
| Italy | $34.5M | 2.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $21.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Korea averaged $44.13 per kg and South Africa $1.58 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Diesel-electric locomotives (HS 8602.10) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8602.10: Rail locomotives: diesel-electric powered. HS 8602 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most diesel-electric locomotives?
The United States exported $571.5 million in 2024, 42% of the world total, followed by Spain (22%) and South Korea (15%). In all, 43 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most diesel-electric locomotives?
Tanzania imported $206.7 million in 2024, 15% of world imports, ahead of Mexico (12%) and Australia (8%). The top three importers together take 35%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in diesel-electric locomotives?
It was worth $1.37 billion in 2024, about 64.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 16% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $1.43 billion. 43 countries reported exports and 84 reported imports.
What is the average price of diesel-electric locomotives per kg?
The world average declared value was about $21.09 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, South Korea averaged $44.13 per kg and South Africa $1.58 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for diesel-electric locomotives?
The HS code for diesel-electric locomotives is subheading 8602.10, in chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 8602 page.
How can I find diesel-electric locomotives buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of diesel-electric locomotives by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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