The total volume of transportation by transport last year was 570.3 million tons
In 2023, the volume of rail transport in Poland decreased by 3.2% compared to 2022, to 230 million tons. This is evidenced by data from the Polish Statistical Service (GUS), Parkiet reports.
The total volume of rail transport last year was 570.3 million tons, 2.2% less than in 2022, and is the lowest result in the last three years. The drop occurred in almost all modes of transport, except road transport.
The decrease in rail transport is mainly due to the decrease in the movement of combustible cargo, namely coal, as well as steel. Local rail operators expect 2024 to be a tougher year for the industry.
«As for rail transport, we can expect a deterioration in performance, especially in April-July due to the decrease in coal transport. We should not expect a significant increase in freight transport, the dynamics of which will undoubtedly be shaped by the economic situation in Germany. The situation in Ukraine and Germany will undoubtedly determine what the market will be like in 2024», comments Andrzej Pawlowski, president of Ciech Cargo.
Poland has been the main destination for exports and imports of products to and from Ukraine since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion. Over the past two years, Polish transport has moved a large amount of Ukrainian cargo, but recent developments at the border will significantly hamper transportation in 2024.
According to GUS, in 2022, Polish railways handled 237.6 million tons of cargo, which is 0.1% less than in 2021. 12.4 million tons of cargo were shipped for export, 20.3 million tons of imported cargo were moved, 3 million tons were transited, and 64.3 million tons were handled in domestic traffic. Iron ore and other mining and metal products accounted for the largest share of total rail transport volume in 2022, accounting for 23.7%. Steel products represented another 5.2%.
As the GMK Center previously reported, in January 2024, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the creation of four new border crossing points between the two countries, in addition to the fourteen existing ones. According to the head of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, governments remain committed to developing border infrastructure and logistics.
