Railway sleepers trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in railway sleepers was worth $433.5 million in 2024, about 748.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 95% since 2017, and up 1% 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 | $433.5M | 748.3K t |
| 2023 | $427.5M | 642.1K t |
| 2022 | $375.9M | 562.4K t |
| 2021 | $469.2M | 825.0K t |
| 2020 | $424.3M | 888.8K t |
| 2019 | $657.5M | 870.6K t |
| 2018 | $418.3M | 793.5K t |
| 2017 | $221.9M | 514.2K t |
Top railway sleepers exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (42%), France (11%) and China (10%). 70 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 64%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $181.2M | 42% |
| France | $48.9M | 11% |
| China | $45.5M | 11% |
| Belgium | $25.8M | 6% |
| Germany | $18.7M | 4.3% |
| Gabon | $14.3M | 3.3% |
| Czech Republic | $10.3M | 2.4% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $9.7M | 2.3% |
| Poland | $9.2M | 2.1% |
| Sweden | $9.1M | 2.1% |
| Russia | $8.3M | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $6.7M | 1.6% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Canada is the biggest buyer with 35% of world imports, ahead of Nigeria and Belgium. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 52% across 111 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $150.3M | 35% |
| Nigeria | $45.4M | 11% |
| Belgium | $29.4M | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $24.7M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $21.3M | 4.9% |
| Mexico | $16.1M | 3.7% |
| France | $15.7M | 3.6% |
| Czech Republic | $9.5M | 2.2% |
| Austria | $8.7M | 2% |
| Brazil | $7.8M | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $7.1M | 1.7% |
| Croatia | $7.1M | 1.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.58 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Bosnia Herzegovina averaged $1.02 per kg and Germany $0.48 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 4406: Railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood. HS 4406 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most railway sleepers?
The United States exported $181.2 million in 2024, 42% of the world total, followed by France (11%) and China (10%). In all, 70 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most railway sleepers?
Canada imported $150.3 million in 2024, 35% of world imports, ahead of Nigeria (10%) and Belgium (7%). The top three importers together take 52%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in railway sleepers?
It was worth $433.5 million in 2024, about 748.3 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 95% since 2017. The peak year was 2019 at $657.5 million. 70 countries reported exports and 111 reported imports.
What is the average price of railway sleepers per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.58 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Bosnia Herzegovina averaged $1.02 per kg and Germany $0.48 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 sleepers?
The HS code for railway sleepers is heading 4406, in chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 4406 page.
How can I find railway sleepers 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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