Asbestos: World Production, By Country Or Locality

This table presents data on global asbestos production by country or locality over the five-year period from 2019 through 2023, measured in metric tons of marketable fiber. Tracking production volumes is essential for understanding the supply dynamics of asbestos, a mineral historically used in construction, manufacturing, and various industrial applications due to its heat resistance and insulating properties. Despite declining demand in many regions because of health concerns, asbestos production remains economically significant in certain countries, influencing global trade patterns, regulatory policies, and industrial activities.

Analysis of the data reveals that Russia continues to be the dominant producer, although its output has steadily declined from 790,000 metric tons in 2019 to 600,000 metric tons in 2023. Kazakhstan ranks second, showing a consistent increase from 210,700 metric tons in 2019 to 255,200 metric tons in 2023. China’s production also rose notably, reaching an estimated 200,000 metric tons in 2023, up from 140,000 metric tons in 2019. Brazil exhibited the most dramatic growth, with production soaring from 12,205 metric tons in 2019 to 188,813 metric tons in 2023, largely driven by sales reported by Eternit S.A. Zimbabwe’s asbestos output remains negligible or zero throughout the period. Overall, world production peaked at 1.33 million metric tons in 2021 but has since declined slightly to 1.24 million metric tons in 2023, reflecting shifting market conditions and regulatory impacts.