Railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) worth $3.6 million (9.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 54 countries. Value fell 58% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 20% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $29.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.6M | 9.3K t |
| 2023 | $8.5M | 12.4K t |
| 2022 | $6.0M | 12.2K t |
| 2021 | $28.0M | 40.5K t |
| 2020 | $29.6M | 68.3K t |
| 2019 | $21.1M | 52.0K t |
| 2018 | $28.2M | 58.2K t |
| 2017 | $17.4M | 50.4K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) from
Most of the value came from Brazil (36%), Romania (28%), Poland (17%). Among the main suppliers, Poland grew fastest (+257% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.3M | 36% |
| Romania | $1.0M | 28% |
| Poland | $623K | 17% |
| Belgium | $287K | 7.9% |
| Netherlands | $166K | 4.6% |
| DR Congo | $161K | 4.5% |
| Turkey | $39K | 1.1% |
| France | $16K | 0.4% |
| Gabon | $11K | 0.3% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.39 per kg, 30% below the world average of $0.56, 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.
Railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $215 thousand of railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) in 2024 (429 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Norway (49%), Ireland (24%), New Zealand (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Ireland grew fastest (+716% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | $106K | 49% |
| Ireland | $52K | 24% |
| New Zealand | $33K | 16% |
| Netherlands | $17K | 8.1% |
| Italy | $6K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) imports (HS 4406.12): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 4406.12: Wood: railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties), not impregnated, non-coniferous.
Common questions
What is the value of railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) worth $3.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 54 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 58% on 2023.
Which countries supply railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) to the United Kingdom?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Romania (28%) and Poland (17%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 257% on the year.
What is the average import price of railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.39 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $0.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.4 million in 2017 to $3.6 million in 2024, a fall of 79%. The peak was 2020 at $29.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated)?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $215 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Norway, Ireland and New Zealand. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $3.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated)?
The HS code for railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) is subheading 4406.12. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4406 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World railway sleepers (non-coniferous, untreated) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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