In 2023, Russia led global international rail freight volume with a substantial margin, despite a modest 1.42% growth. Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Latvia saw declines of 1.12%, 1.6%, and 8.65% respectively. Germany, Italy, and France experienced minor growths of 0.19%, 3.48%, and 1.17%. Smaller markets like Estonia and Macedonia faced downturns, while Bulgaria and Denmark emerged with notable increases. Over the past five years, Eastern Europe showed mixed performances, with Russia maintaining dominance amidst fluctuating regional dynamics, particularly influenced by economic and geopolitical factors.
Looking ahead, key trends include green initiatives boosting Europe’s rail freight, digital transformations enhancing efficiency, and geopolitical shifts impacting cross-border trade dynamics, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Top countries in International Rail Freight Volume Loaded Nationally by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Million Tonne Kilometers | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Russia | 1,508,200 | 2023 | +1.65% | +1.42% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Kazakhstan | 115,050 | 2023 | -0.64% | -1.12% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Ukraine | 70,740 | 2023 | -1.73% | -1.6% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Germany | 21,790 | 2023 | +0.29% | +0.19% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Belarus | 18,810 | 2023 | +2.07% | +2.21% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Sweden | 5,650 | 2023 | +0.25% | +0.38% | View data |
| 7 | 7 France | 5,060 | 2023 | +0.74% | +1.17% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Italy | 4,970 | 2023 | +2.64% | +3.48% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Poland | 4,930 | 2023 | +0.78% | +1.3% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Austria | 4,250 | 2023 | +0.31% | +0.26% | View data |
