The 2023 data show Belarus as the leading country in international rail freight volume transiting by rail, despite a slight decline. Austria and Switzerland followed, both exhibiting growth. Russia and Lithuania faced significant declines, whereas Germany and Kazakhstan had modest increases. Notably, Estonia experienced a sharp drop, while Romania and France saw noticeable growth. Ukraine faced the most substantial decline, reflecting regional challenges. Over the last 5 years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicates varied performances, with robust growth in several Western European countries and declines in some Eastern European regions.
Future trends to watch include:
- Potential expansions in rail infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe, which could alter transit dynamics.
- Environmental policies encouraging rail over road freight could influence national performances.
- Geopolitical developments impacting freight routes, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine.
- Technological advancements in rail logistics improving efficiency and throughput.
Top countries in International Rail Freight Volume Transiting by Rail Throughput Share by Country (Thousand Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Belarus | 16.58 | 2023 | +0.46% | -1.04% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Austria | 12.48 | 2023 | +1.97% | +2.13% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Switzerland | 12 | 2023 | +1.1% | +1.25% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Russia | 7.09 | 2023 | -2.66% | -3.64% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Kazakhstan | 6.91 | 2023 | +1.4% | +1.03% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Germany | 6.41 | 2023 | -0.05% | +1.57% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Slovakia | 5.16 | 2023 | +1.52% | +0.91% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Lithuania | 4.58 | 2023 | +0.27% | -1.05% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Czech Republic | 3.91 | 2023 | +1.6% | +1.84% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Ukraine | 3.75 | 2023 | -10.48% | -8.57% | View data |
