The international rail freight transport volume in Austria stood at 18.12 billion tonne kilometers in 2023. Over the past decade, the volume has experienced modest overall growth, marked by fluctuations. Notably, between 2017 and 2020, the volume fluctuated significantly, with a sharp rise in 2017 followed by a dip in 2020. The recent years, from 2021 to 2023, have seen a consistent, albeit small, year-on-year increase, averaging around 1.69% annually over the last five years.

Looking ahead, the forecast for the next five years indicates a steady increase, with a 5-year CAGR of 1.32%, projecting the volume to reach 19.68 billion tonne kilometers by 2028. This reflects an overall growth rate of 6.76% from 2023 to 2028.

Trends to watch for:

The impact of global economic conditions on international trade volumes.
Technological advancements in rail transport efficiency.
Policy changes in Austria and the EU affecting rail infrastructure investment and regulations.
Shifts in competitive dynamics between rail and other modes of freight transport.