Railway freight cars trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in railway freight cars was worth $7.32 billion in 2024, about 1.50 million tonnes. That is an increase of 213% since 2017, and up 90% 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 | $7.32B | 1.50M t |
| 2023 | $3.84B | 1.09M t |
| 2022 | $3.34B | 983.5K t |
| 2021 | $4.27B | 1.63M t |
| 2020 | $2.84B | 1.02M t |
| 2019 | $3.76B | 1.77M t |
| 2018 | $2.79B | 1.59M t |
| 2017 | $2.33B | 1.31M t |
Top railway freight cars exporting countries
Exports are led by Mexico (43%), the United States (8%) and China (8%). 83 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 60%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $3.15B | 43% |
| United States | $614.7M | 8.4% |
| China | $609.9M | 8.3% |
| Slovakia | $463.0M | 6.3% |
| Romania | $398.3M | 5.5% |
| Russia | $311.4M | 4.3% |
| Canada | $284.9M | 3.9% |
| Croatia | $208.1M | 2.8% |
| Poland | $197.0M | 2.7% |
| Bulgaria | $194.6M | 2.7% |
| Turkey | $142.4M | 2% |
| Germany | $109.9M | 1.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (46%), Germany (10%) and Mexico (5%). 135 countries imported it, and the top three take 61% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.38B | 46% |
| Germany | $730.5M | 10% |
| Mexico | $344.8M | 4.7% |
| Kazakhstan | $298.0M | 4.1% |
| Canada | $291.7M | 4% |
| Austria | $247.4M | 3.4% |
| Hungary | $236.3M | 3.2% |
| Australia | $215.7M | 3% |
| Slovakia | $138.6M | 1.9% |
| Kenya | $133.4M | 1.8% |
| France | $127.6M | 1.7% |
| Poland | $118.4M | 1.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $4.88 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $10.15 per kg and Canada $1.62 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.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 8606: Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; not self-propelled. HS 8606 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most railway freight cars?
Mexico exported $3.15 billion in 2024, 43% of the world total, followed by the United States (8%) and China (8%). In all, 83 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most railway freight cars?
The United States imported $3.38 billion in 2024, 46% of world imports, ahead of Germany (10%) and Mexico (5%). The top three importers together take 61%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in railway freight cars?
It was worth $7.32 billion in 2024, about 1.50 million tonnes. That is an increase of 213% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 83 countries reported exports and 135 reported imports.
What is the average price of railway freight cars per kg?
The world average declared value was about $4.88 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Mexico averaged $10.15 per kg and Canada $1.62 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 railway freight cars?
The HS code for railway freight cars is heading 8606, 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). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8606 page.
How can I find railway freight cars buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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