Wooden sleepers market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Starting in 2018, the EU classified creosote as carcinogenic and began its phase-out, prompting the introduction of environmentally friendly wooden sleepers treated with alternatives like RVP Repellent. Swedish legislation was adapted to EU regulations, affecting infrastructure planning and reinforcing a trend toward sustainable timber use in construction.

Market volume grew in the following years, with production rising from 136.9 thousand m³ in 2020 to 169.6 thousand m³ in 2021, and market size increasing from 153.9 thousand m³ to 181.6 thousand m³ over the same period. In value terms, production value declined from $3.8 million to $3.3 million, while the total market value expanded from $4.4 million to $5.2 million.

By 2023, production had fallen to 102.8 thousand m³ and market size contracted to 103.8 thousand m³. Imports, which peaked at 17.7 thousand m³ in 2020, dropped sharply to 1.5 thousand m³ in 2023. This downturn coincided with the 2024 ban on creosote impregnations, which shortened the lifespan of traditional wooden sleepers and boosted demand for plastic alternatives. Tighter waste management rules and increased industry focus on sustainability further pressured the wooden sleepers market.

Production wooden sleepers in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports wooden sleepers from Sweden

Exports in kind, m³

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 220 m³, then peaked in 2017 with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sweden exported 642 m³ of wooden sleepers, marking a significant 112.6% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 68.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, France, and Belgium consistently led the country structure of exports in kind. Norway accounted for 61.1% of exports, France for 17.4%, and Belgium for 12.9%. Together, these three countries represented 91.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports in value terms reached their minimum in 2018 at 121 000 US dollars, then peaked in 2020 with a 3.5-fold variation between these years. In 2020, wooden sleepers deliveries from Sweden reached 426 000 US dollars, up by 145.2% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 42.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical pattern of exports in value terms was dominated by Norway, which held 75.2% of total flows. Other trading partners accounted for relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Imports wooden sleepers to Sweden

Imports in kind, m³

Sweden's wooden sleepers import volume increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 17 660 m³ of wooden sleepers in 2020, which is 2.4% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 48.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 567 m³, with the largest decline that year at 11.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, rising by 63.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Norway and Switzerland were the dominant suppliers of wooden sleepers to Sweden, together accounting for 80.9% of total imports in kind. Other destinations each held relatively small shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility during these years. Imports in value terms reached their trough in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a 2.5-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, Sweden imported 982 000 US dollars worth of wooden sleepers, representing a 32.1% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 589 000 US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 152.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and the Netherlands were the largest suppliers of wooden sleepers to Sweden in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.5% of imports, France for 16.0%, and the Netherlands for 15.0%. Together, these three countries formed 75.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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