Asbestos-cement products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported asbestos-cement products worth $9.6 million (14.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 5% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $13.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.6M | 14.1K t |
| 2023 | $9.1M | 14.3K t |
| 2022 | $10.0M | 14.3K t |
| 2021 | $10.2M | 16.3K t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 12.9K t |
| 2019 | $13.8M | 21.1K t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 15.5K t |
| 2017 | $7.5M | 12.2K t |
Where South Africa exports asbestos-cement products to
Most of it went to Malawi (39%), Namibia (25%), Eswatini (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $3.7M | 39% |
| Namibia | $2.4M | 25% |
| Eswatini | $818K | 8.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $661K | 6.9% |
| Botswana | $596K | 6.2% |
| Mozambique | $278K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $247K | 2.6% |
| Seychelles | $128K | 1.3% |
| DR Congo | $122K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $105K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 6811
| 6811.82 | Cellulose fibre-cement: articles or the like, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles (other than corrugated sheets), not containing asbestos | 71% |
| 6811.89 | Cellulose fibre-cement: articles or the like, other than corrugated sheets and other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles, not containing… | 19% |
| 6811.81 | Cellulose fibre-cement: articles or the like: corrugated sheets, not containing asbestos | 9.2% |
| 6811.40 | Asbestos-cement: articles or the like, containing asbestos | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6811.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.69 per kg, 28% above the world average of $0.54. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Asbestos-cement products imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.2 million of asbestos-cement products in 2024 (13.4 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Thailand (39%), India (25%), Lithuania (18%). Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.6M | 39% |
| India | $1.1M | 25% |
| Lithuania | $747K | 18% |
| China | $205K | 4.9% |
| Italy | $194K | 4.6% |
| Taiwan | $125K | 3% |
| Vietnam | $66K | 1.6% |
| Ireland | $53K | 1.3% |
| Brazil | $37K | 0.9% |
| Indonesia | $28K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 6811: Asbestos-cement, of cellulose fibre-cement or the like.
Common questions
What is the value of asbestos-cement products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported asbestos-cement products worth $9.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 127 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy asbestos-cement products from South Africa?
Malawi was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($3.7 million), followed by Namibia (25%) and Eswatini (8%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. The Seychelles grew fastest among the top ten, up 349% on the year.
What is the average export price of asbestos-cement products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.69 per kg in 2024, 28% above the world average of $0.54 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of asbestos-cement products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.5 million in 2017 to $9.6 million in 2024, an increase of 29%. The peak was 2019 at $13.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import asbestos-cement products?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Thailand, India and Lithuania. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for asbestos-cement products?
The HS code for asbestos-cement products is heading 6811. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 6811.82 (71% of the value) and 6811.89 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6811 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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