The volume of international rail freight transport in France reached 14.52 billion tonne-kilometers in 2023, reflecting a 1.32% year-on-year increase. This follows a modest decline of 1.01% in 2022 and a notable rise of 10.79% in 2021. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years stands at 1.71%, indicating a steady, albeit slow, growth trajectory.
From 2013 to 2023, the volume of international rail freight experienced fluctuations with significant peaks in 2017 and 2021, highlighting periods of rapid growth. However, these were also met with occasional declines, such as in 2020 with a 6.72% drop.
The forecast for 2024 and beyond anticipates continued growth, with the volume expected to climb steadily to 15.43 billion tonne-kilometers by 2028. The forecasted five-year CAGR is 0.97%, suggesting a sustained yet moderate increase in the sector's volume.
**Future Trends to Watch For:**
- Technological advancements improving efficiency and capacity
- Environmental policies promoting rail transport over other modes
- Infrastructure investments enhancing connectivity and operations
- Evolving trade patterns within the European rail network
