Asbestos friction material trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in asbestos friction material was worth $53.4 million in 2024, about 12.1 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 33% since 2017, and up 13% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $53.4M | 12.1K t |
| 2023 | $47.2M | 11.4K t |
| 2022 | $45.6M | 12.4K t |
| 2021 | $51.5M | 14.9K t |
| 2020 | $46.7M | 12.4K t |
| 2019 | $67.8M | 20.7K t |
| 2018 | $84.2M | 25.5K t |
| 2017 | $79.4M | 23.4K t |
Top asbestos friction material exporting countries
China is the largest exporter with 32% of world exports, followed by the United States and India. The top three supply 66% between them, out of 88 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.9M | 32% |
| United States | $12.9M | 24% |
| India | $5.4M | 10% |
| Germany | $2.1M | 3.8% |
| Indonesia | $1.9M | 3.7% |
| Bolivia | $1.7M | 3.3% |
| Turkey | $1.6M | 3.1% |
| Japan | $1.5M | 2.9% |
| Russia | $1.3M | 2.5% |
| South Korea | $1.3M | 2.4% |
| Thailand | $1.1M | 2% |
| Taiwan | $1.0M | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Mexico (17%), Vietnam (10%) and Pakistan (7%). 184 countries imported it, and the top three take 34% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $9.1M | 17% |
| Vietnam | $5.6M | 11% |
| Pakistan | $3.7M | 6.9% |
| South Africa | $3.7M | 6.9% |
| Indonesia | $2.0M | 3.8% |
| United States | $1.9M | 3.5% |
| Thailand | $1.9M | 3.5% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.9M | 3.5% |
| Kazakhstan | $1.3M | 2.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.2M | 2.3% |
| China | $1.2M | 2.2% |
| Russia | $1.1M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $4.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $45.95 per kg and India $2.45 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Asbestos friction material (HS 6813.20) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 6813.20: Friction material and articles thereof (e.g. sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads) not mounted: for brakes, clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos. HS 6813 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most asbestos friction material?
China exported $16.9 million in 2024, 32% of the world total, followed by the United States (24%) and India (10%). In all, 88 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most asbestos friction material?
Mexico imported $9.1 million in 2024, 17% of world imports, ahead of Vietnam (10%) and Pakistan (7%). The top three importers together take 34%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in asbestos friction material?
It was worth $53.4 million in 2024, about 12.1 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 33% since 2017. The peak year was 2018 at $84.2 million. 88 countries reported exports and 184 reported imports.
What is the average price of asbestos friction material per kg?
The world average declared value was about $4.43 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $45.95 per kg and India $2.45 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for asbestos friction material?
The HS code for asbestos friction material is subheading 6813.20, in chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 6813 page.
How can I find asbestos friction material buyers and suppliers?
The rankings here stop at countries; EximDataX goes down to the companies trading asbestos friction material, from direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your markets to see them live.
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