Between 2013 and 2023, the volume of national rail freight in the Netherlands fluctuated, peaking at 542 million tonne kilometers in 2014 and dropping to its lowest point in 2020 at 394.25 million tonne kilometers due to various market conditions and disruptions. In 2023, it stood at 467 million tonne kilometers, reflecting minor year-on-year decline. The five-year CAGR from 2018 to 2023 indicates a slight annual decrease of 1.71%. Over the last two years, the trend showed a modest recovery with a 0.64% decline from 2022 to 2023.
Future trends suggest a marginal negative growth in national rail freight volume. The forecasted values for the next five years show a gradual decline at an average annual rate of -0.47%, indicating a total decrease of 2.32% by 2028.
Key trends to watch for include:
- Shifts in logistics and supply chain structures.
- Impact of regulatory changes and sustainability initiatives.
- Technological advancements and their adoption in the rail industry.
- Macro-economic factors affecting trade and freight demand.
