From 2013 to 2023, goods transported by railway in Spain experienced fluctuations in volume. Starting at 9.34 billion tonne kilometers in 2013, it peaked in 2019 at 10.71 before a notable dip in 2020 to 8.92, mainly due to the pandemic. Recovery was observed in 2021 with a jump to 10.3, followed by minor growths and dips, settling at 10.27 billion tonne kilometers in 2023. Notable yearly variations include significant contractions in 2016 and 2020, while 2021 marked a strong rebound. Over the past five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was slightly negative at -0.73%.
Forecasts from 2024 to 2028 suggest a gradual decline, with volume projected to decrease from 10.23 billion tonne kilometers in 2024 to 10.1 by 2028, reflecting a forecasted 5-year CAGR of -0.26%. This indicates a moderate long-term downtrend.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of sustainability initiatives, potential infrastructure investments, and technological advancements in the rail transport sector that could offset the declining trend and enhance operational efficiencies and capacities.