Asbestos friction material imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.7 million of asbestos friction material in 2024 (69 tonnes). It ranks 4th of 184 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 87% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 36% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.7M | 69 t |
| 2023 | $2.0M | 61 t |
| 2022 | $1.8M | 60 t |
| 2021 | $1.3M | 34 t |
| 2020 | $1.2M | 71 t |
| 2019 | $320K | 25 t |
| 2018 | $485K | 75 t |
| 2017 | $421K | 44 t |
Where South Africa imports asbestos friction material from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 94% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.5M | 94% |
| Germany | $151K | 4.1% |
| China | $36K | 1% |
| India | $16K | 0.4% |
| Australia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $2K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $2K | 0% |
| Japan | $2K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
| Lithuania | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $53.63 per kg, 1111% above the world average of $4.43. 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 friction material exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $454 thousand of asbestos friction material in 2024 (101 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (25%), Mozambique (16%), Zambia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+560% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $116K | 25% |
| Mozambique | $74K | 16% |
| Zambia | $67K | 15% |
| Namibia | $55K | 12% |
| Botswana | $48K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $40K | 8.7% |
| Angola | $29K | 6.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $20K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $3K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa asbestos friction material imports (HS 6813.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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.
Common questions
What is the value of asbestos friction material imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported asbestos friction material worth $3.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 69 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 184 countries worldwide, with 7% of world imports. The value was up 87% on 2023.
Which countries supply asbestos friction material to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 94% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by Germany (4%) and China (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 281% on the year.
What is the average import price of asbestos friction material per kg?
The average declared import value was about $53.63 per kg in 2024, 1111% above the world average of $4.43 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of asbestos friction material to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $421 thousand in 2017 to $3.7 million in 2024, an increase of 775%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export asbestos friction material?
Yes. South Africa exported $454 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for asbestos friction material?
The HS code for asbestos friction material is subheading 6813.20. 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 6813 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World asbestos friction material trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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