The import of asbestos friction materials and articles thereof to Zimbabwe has shown a generally declining trend from 2013 to the present. The peak value of $2.2405 million in 2013 has gradually decreased to $1.4388 million in 2023. The year-on-year variation indicates consistent decreases with minor fluctuations, particularly a significant drop in 2020 by 17.46%. The last two years showed slight declines around -0.52%. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years also reflects a minimal average variation of -0.086% per year.
Future forecasts from 2024 through 2028 project a continuing downward trend, with the value expected to decline steadily to $1.3992 million by 2028. The five-year forecast CAGR is -0.44%, indicating a gradual decline of approximately -2.19% over this period.
Future trends to watch include potential shifts in regulations regarding asbestos importation, developments in alternative friction materials, and shifts in Zimbabwe's industrial demand that could influence the import volumes of these materials.
