Recent Release | 13 Feb 2023

Rail Supply Industry: Manufacturing and Services Keeping the American Economy on Track

Economic Consulting Team

Oxford Economics

The rail supply industry—the businesses behind the rail transportation industry that provide the necessary goods and services to keep the US railroad network running—plays an essential and powerful role in driving in the United States economy. In 2020, the US rail supply industry’s total economic impact was $75.8 billion of GDP, 682,426 jobs, $49.0 billion of labor income, and $15.5 billion in taxes. These numbers combine the direct, indirect, and induced contributions of the sector’s activities.

Rail suppliers enable the rail transportation industry to operate by manufacturing railcars and locomotives, and critical rail infrastructure such as signals, rail ties, and railway maintenance equipment. Key segments of the rail supply industry include: railcar (“rolling stock”) manufacturers, railcar lessors, rail parts manufacturers, maintenance-of-way specialists, and rail tie manufacturers.

About the team

Our Economic Consulting team are world leaders in quantitative economic analysis, working with clients around the globe and across sectors to build models, forecast markets and evaluate interventions using state-of-the art techniques. Lead consultants on this project included:

Dan Martin

Senior Economist, Economic Impact

You might be interested in

Impacts of the proposed Los Angeles fast food ordinance

Save Local Restaurants commissioned Oxford Economics to calculate high-level cost estimates relating to a proposed city ordinance that would impose new requirements on quick-service restaurant operators in Los Angeles.

Find Out More
Catalyzing Africa’s Sustainable Transition: Insights to Impact a Climate-Resilient Future

Sustainable finance is not merely a climate imperative but a development necessity. As climate risks intensify, Africa must urgently mobilise capital to advance its adaptation, mitigation, and development goals. Realising this ambition will require coordinated action across governments, financial institutions, international partners, multilateral agencies, and the private sector. With bold leadership, innovative tools, and supportive ecosystems, the continent can chart a path toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global economy.

Find Out More
The economic impact of Project Kuiper’s launch partnerships in the EU

The report assesses the economic impact of Project Kuiper's launch partnerships in the EU.

Find Out More
Election result delivers some welcome certainty in Australia

The past month has been relatively quiet compared to the flurry of activity following the 'liberation day' tariff announcements in the US.

Find Out More