Non-asbestos brake linings imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported non-asbestos brake linings worth $6.1 million (2.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 14% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $6.1M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $6.5M | 2.6K t |
| 2021 | $7.4M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $6.9M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $6.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $6.4M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports non-asbestos brake linings from
The largest suppliers were China (28%), India (21%), South Korea (13%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+155% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.7M | 28% |
| India | $1.3M | 21% |
| South Korea | $778K | 13% |
| Japan | $698K | 11% |
| Germany | $658K | 11% |
| Brazil | $341K | 5.6% |
| Turkey | $159K | 2.6% |
| Poland | $98K | 1.6% |
| United States | $68K | 1.1% |
| Peru | $63K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.72 per kg, 52% below the world average of $5.61, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Non-asbestos brake linings exports from South Africa
Exports of non-asbestos brake linings by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (238 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (21%), Mozambique (20%), Zambia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+301% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $442K | 21% |
| Mozambique | $412K | 20% |
| Zambia | $239K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $193K | 9.1% |
| Namibia | $179K | 8.5% |
| Bahrain | $114K | 5.4% |
| Botswana | $95K | 4.5% |
| Malawi | $91K | 4.3% |
| Lesotho | $77K | 3.7% |
| United States | $74K | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa non-asbestos brake linings imports (HS 6813.81): 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 6813.81: Brake linings and pads: with a basis of mineral substances or cellulose (other than asbestos).
Common questions
What is the value of non-asbestos brake linings imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported non-asbestos brake linings worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 208 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply non-asbestos brake linings to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by India (21%) and South Korea (13%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 155% on the year.
What is the average import price of non-asbestos brake linings per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.72 per kg in 2024, 52% below the world average of $5.61 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of non-asbestos brake linings to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.4 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2021 at $7.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export non-asbestos brake linings?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for non-asbestos brake linings?
The HS code for non-asbestos brake linings is subheading 6813.81. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World non-asbestos brake linings trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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