Research and Markets: Spain Freight Transport Report 2012 - Renfe Restructuring and Privatisation Planned

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/26f9fa/spain_freight_tran) has announced the addition of the "Spain Freight Transport Report 2012" report to their offering.

Although BMI is forecasting moderate volume growth rates in 2012, Spain's freight transport sector faces an uncertain year. With elections due in November 2011, it is likely that a new government will be in place at the start of 2012: we are predicting a victory for the Partido Popular (PP), the centre-right party currently in opposition.

But whoever is in power in Madrid, the economy is set to continue presenting a difficult challenge, with high unemployment weighing down growth, and house prices under pressure. In short, the climate will not be very supportive for freight demand. BMI now forecasts 2012 GDP growth of -0.5% (a deterioration from the 0.7% expansion experienced in 2011).

Cargo growth rates across the different transport modes will always range above and below GDP. In Spain's case we note that activity at some ports in 2012 will run ahead of the general economy. A good example is Barcelona, where - as a result of its role as a Mediterranean hub - we are projecting that the total number of containers handled will grow by a healthy 6.3%. Next is rail freight, with tonnage up by 1.8%. Road freight will take third place with 1.3%, while air freight growth is forecast at a disappointing 0.8%.

Headline Industry Data:

• Air freight volume is set to grow by 0.8% to reach 599,400 tonnes in 2012;
• Tonnage handled at the Port of Algeciras will grow by 2.9% to reach 74.45mn tonnes;
• Boxes handled at the Port of Barcelona will number 2.39mn in 2012, an increase of 6.3% on 2011 levels;
• Rail freight volume will grow by 1.8% to 20.88mn tonnes in 2012;
• Cargo handled by road is set to increase by 1.3% to 1.63bn tonnes.

Read more inside Spain Freight Transport Report 2012

Companies Mentioned:

• Iberia Airlines Cargo
• Renfe Cargo

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/26f9fa/spain_freight_tran.