Rail Sector Deal UK Exports Survey

2 October 2020

The Rail Supply Group have published the Rail Sector Deal UK Exports Survey Report, setting out the key views of rail suppliers on the UK exports market. The survey reveals that:

  • More than half, 55%, of respondents confirmed they are currently exporting, or planning to export, or considering exporting goods or services for the railway sector from the UK;
  • Current priority markets for UK rail exporters are Australia, the United States and Germany, with Australia, the United States and India identified as the top priority markets where companies believe their goods or services have potential to be exported with assistance from the rail industry and Government;
  • Respondents highlighted that their products or services being UK specific was the most common reason for not exporting.

Neil Walker, Exports Director at the Railway Industry Association, said: “The UK rail industry already exports £800 million a year in goods and services, but there is room to do so much more. This RSG Exports Survey is a valuable tool in understanding the key markets for rail businesses and what support they need at a critical time for the UK’s trade policy. The UK rail sector can play an even bigger role in achieving the Government’s export aims – RIA and our members look forward to working with the Rail Supply Group, as part of the Rail Sector Deal’s Export Pillar, to deliver even more for UK trade.”

Notes to Editors

 

  1. The Rail Sector Deal UK Exports Survey Report can be found here
  2. RIA is the delivery partner for the exports pillar of the Rail Sector Deal and a member of the Rail Supply Group.
  3. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £36 billion in economic growth and £11 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 600,000 people—more than the workforce of Birmingham. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry.