The Economic Impact of the U.S. Rail Supply Industry
March 30, 2026
In the latest report calculating the economic impact of the U.S. rail supply industry, released in March 2026, the full scope of the industry’s contribution to the national economy is brought into focus. Capturing activity across direct, indirect, and induced impacts, the study quantifies the industry’s role in supporting jobs, generating gross domestic product (GDP), and contributing labor income and tax revenue at both the national and state levels.
Commissioned by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), in partnership with the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) and the Railway Tie Association (RTA), Oxford Economics’ report highlights the scale and complexity of the industry that supports America’s rail network. Building on prior analyses, this edition expands the scope to include transit and commuter rail, offering a more complete view of passenger rail supply chains and introducing a dedicated analysis of Amtrak’s supplier footprint as the railroad undertakes significant fleet replacement and capital investment projects across the country.
The 2026 report captures a current snapshot of the rail supply industry’s economic footprint, supporting more than 900,000 jobs and contributing $127 billion to U.S. GDP, underscoring its role as a key driver of domestic manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and economic activity nationwide. The study also includes state-level impact summaries, providing localized insights into jobs, economic output, wages, and tax contributions across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
State Fact Sheets
Use the links below to access one-page reports for each state and Washington, D.C.
Press Information
- Christina Howerton, RSI Marketing and Communications Manager
- chowerton@rsiweb.org
- (202) 367-2368