Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment for railways or tramways excluding railway signalling of heading 8608 market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Croatian railway signalling equipment market expanded due to infrastructure modernization led by the state-owned manager HŽ Infrastruktura, utilizing EU co-financing for projects that increased demand for safety systems. The specialized domestic company ALTPRO supplied SIL4-certified signalling solutions, supporting local production growth, while the national Transport Development Strategy until 2030 prioritized rail infrastructure as a key link for freight and passenger transport.

Between 2021 and 2023, market growth accelerated with HŽ Infrastruktura launching tenders for signalling upgrades, such as the Dugo Selo–Krizevci section, and the ongoing deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 on core lines. The adoption of a new rail freight law in 2023, introducing digital documents and formal separation of infrastructure and operators, enhanced market transparency and efficiency, further stimulating investment in signalling equipment alongside continued EU-funded modernization projects.

In 2024, the market surged sharply following the commissioning of Croatia's first ERTMS-equipped line on the Vinkovci–Tovarnik section, which enabled higher train speeds and required advanced signalling. The completion of the Zaprešić–Zabok modernization, a long-term infrastructure management contract with substantial budget allocations for 2024-2027, and plans for new railway construction in the Karlovac area created significant demand for signalling and safety equipment, reinforced by ongoing compliance with EU interoperability regulations.

Production railway and tramway signalling equipment in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Production of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment in Croatia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 8 090 thousand US dollars, marking a modest 8.1% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 77.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports railway and tramway signalling equipment from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 5.0 tonnes, then peaked in 2019 at 71.6 tonnes, representing a 14.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia exported 17.6 tonnes of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment, which is 75.3% lower than the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 1,321.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Serbia, and Austria were the primary buyers of Croatia's railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment in terms of volume. Greece accounted for 49.8% of exports, Serbia for 9.5%, and Austria for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 401 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 3 242 thousand US dollars, showing an 8.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia's exports of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment stood at 1 322 thousand US dollars, down by 59.2% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a growth of 707.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Greece, Austria, and Indonesia played leading roles in Croatia's exports of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment in value terms. Greece accounted for 26.9% of exports, Austria for 13.2%, and Indonesia for 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 52.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Croatia in value, 2017-2020

Imports railway and tramway signalling equipment to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 at 271.8 tonnes, showing a 406-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia imported approximately 6.8 tonnes of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment, down by 97.5% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 4,968.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia dominated Croatia's imports of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment in terms of volume, accounting for 71.9% of total imports. Other partners made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 1 867 thousand US dollars, representing a 21-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia's imports of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment totalled 1 698 thousand US dollars, marking a limited year-on-year drop of 9.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a growth of 453.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany led Croatia's imports of railway and tramway signalling, safety, and traffic control equipment in value terms. Austria accounted for 40.1% of imports, Slovenia for 20.9%, and Germany for 20.3%. Together, these three countries represented 81.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Croatia in value, 2017-2020