Battery-powered locomotives imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $2.7 million of battery-powered locomotives in 2024 (234 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 93% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 73% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $5.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.7M | 234 t |
| 2023 | $1.4M | 90 t |
| 2022 | $828K | 49 t |
| 2021 | $5.7M | 959 t |
| 2020 | $1.0M | 163 t |
| 2019 | $1.7M | 190 t |
| 2018 | $555K | 484 t |
| 2017 | $57K | 107 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports battery-powered locomotives from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (40%), Bulgaria (34%), Germany (16%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.1M | 40% |
| Bulgaria | $902K | 34% |
| Germany | $436K | 16% |
| Italy | $137K | 5.1% |
| United States | $46K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $25K | 1% |
| Austria | $13K | 0.5% |
| China | $9K | 0.3% |
| Vietnam | $6K | 0.2% |
| Czech Republic | $6K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.33 per kg, 22% below the world average of $14.49, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Battery-powered locomotives exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of battery-powered locomotives by the United Kingdom reached $1.5 million in 2024 (63 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. China alone took 75% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.2M | 75% |
| Philippines | $189K | 12% |
| Austria | $183K | 12% |
| United States | $4K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $3K | 0.2% |
| France | $3K | 0.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom battery-powered locomotives imports (HS 8601.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 8601.20: Rail locomotives: powered by electric accumulators.
Common questions
What is the value of battery-powered locomotives imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported battery-powered locomotives worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 234 tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 87 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 93% on 2023.
Which countries supply battery-powered locomotives to the United Kingdom?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by Bulgaria (34%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 541% on the year.
What is the average import price of battery-powered locomotives per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.33 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $14.49 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of battery-powered locomotives to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $56 thousand in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024. The peak was 2021 at $5.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export battery-powered locomotives?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, the Philippines and Austria. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $1.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for battery-powered locomotives?
The HS code for battery-powered locomotives is subheading 8601.20. It sits in HS 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 full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8601 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World battery-powered locomotives trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.