The volume of goods transported by railway in Spain indicated several significant trends from 2013 to 2023. After experiencing notable growth between 2013 and 2015, transport volumes saw some fluctuations with a decline in 2016. The volume picked up gradually until 2020 when it experienced a steep drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery was swift in 2021, continuing a general upward trend through to 2023, although growth was less pronounced.
In 2023, the volume stood at 10.47 billion tonne kilometers, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. Year-on-year variations over the last two years show slight fluctuations with a decrease of 0.95% in 2023 and a modest 2.59% rise in 2022, reflecting stabilization. The 5-year CAGR ending in 2023 is 0.19%, indicating relatively steady growth.
Looking ahead, forecast data suggest a marginal but steady increase in the volume of goods transported by railway, with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 0.09% by 2028. Future trends to watch for include the impact of sustainable transport policies and investments in railway infrastructure, which could enhance efficiency and capacity in the coming years. Monitoring shifts in industrial production and global trade patterns will also be crucial as these could significantly influence railway freight volumes in Spain.