Sleepers not impregnated market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-impregnated wooden railway sleepers in Czechia grew sharply in 2019, with volume rising by 39% to 17 519 m³. This surge was primarily fueled by the development of new garden and construction applications for untreated oak sleepers, which gained popularity as a safer alternative to old impregnated sleepers. Regulatory actions by the Ministry of Environment, restricting the reuse of creosote-treated sleepers, accelerated the shift toward non-impregnated products, leading to a 52% increase in imports to meet the new demand.

In 2020, the market contracted by 26% to 13 031 m³ as environmental inspections began issuing fines for illegal distribution of old sleepers, creating market uncertainty. Simultaneously, the expansion of concrete sleeper production in Štětí provided a competitive alternative for railway infrastructure, reducing demand for wooden sleepers in core applications. State-owned Správa železnic maintained its role in managing sleeper sales and disposal, influencing market structure. Import volumes fluctuated in subsequent years, reflecting ongoing regulatory adjustments and sustained interest in untreated sleepers for non-railway uses.

Domestic production of non-impregnated wooden sleepers declined from 1 869 m³ in 2018 to 1 422 m³ in 2020, pressured by competition from concrete sleepers and regulatory discouragement of wooden sleeper reuse. Exports varied considerably, with a notable peak in 2019 followed by a sharp drop, mirroring the changing trade dynamics influenced by domestic regulations and global demand shifts.

Production sleepers not impregnated in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Production of non-impregnated sleepers in Czechia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 650.7 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production fell by 28.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, m³

Production of non-impregnated sleepers in Czechia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Czechia produced 1 422 cubic meters of non-impregnated sleepers, representing a significant drop of 11.9% from 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, m³

Exports sleepers not impregnated from Czechia

Exports in kind, m³

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. From 2019 to 2021, exports fluctuated by a factor of 2.9 between the peak and trough. In 2021, Czechia exported 620 cubic meters of non-impregnated sleepers, which was 53.4% lower than in 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 774 cubic meters, with the largest annual increase of 98.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, m³

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany was the primary destination for Czech exports of non-impregnated sleepers in volume terms, accounting for 79.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2021, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of non-impregnated sleepers from Czechia amounted to 247 thousand US dollars, down 57.1% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 765 thousand US dollars, accompanied by the largest annual increase of 132.7% that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany remained the dominant destination for Czech exports of non-impregnated sleepers in value terms, holding a 77.5% share of total flows. The rest was fragmented across other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports sleepers not impregnated to Czechia

Imports in kind, m³

In 2021, Czechia imported 13 205 cubic meters of non-impregnated sleepers, reflecting a modest year-on-year increase of 2.0%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 13.8%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 4.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 679 cubic meters, with the largest annual increase of 52.3% occurring that year. The largest decline was in 2020, with a drop of 26.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, m³

Between 2018 and 2021, France, Austria, and Germany were the main sources of imports in volume terms for non-impregnated sleepers into Czechia. France accounted for 29.9% of imports, Austria for 16.0%, and Germany for 13.4%, together making up 59.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Czechia imported 5 889 thousand US dollars worth of non-impregnated sleepers, showing a strong increase of 12.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 5 218 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 8 227 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 36.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 46.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, France, Austria, and Germany consistently served as the main destinations for imports in value terms. France held a 33.0% share, Austria 15.3%, and Germany 13.6%, collectively accounting for 61.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021