Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Diameter (Below 300 mm, 300–600 mm, Above 600 mm), By Pressure Rating (Up to 6 bar, 6–16 bar, Above 16 bar), By Application (Municipal, Agriculture, Construction, Others), By Region, and By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market was valued at USD 3.07 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.12 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.88% during the forecast period.

The global Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market has historically played a significant role in infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of water supply, sewage, and irrigation systems. These pipes, made from a mixture of asbestos fibers and cement, are known for their high tensile strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand internal pressure—making them a preferred material for transporting potable water and industrial fluids in many developing regions. However, the market has witnessed significant transformation in recent decades due to increasing awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, leading to bans and restrictions in numerous countries, particularly across North America and Western Europe. Despite these challenges, the market remains active in several parts of Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe, where regulatory enforcement is less stringent or where older infrastructure continues to rely on asbestos cement pipelines.

Developing economies continue to maintain or replace legacy asbestos pipe networks due to cost constraints and the absence of viable substitutes for low-pressure, non-potable applications. In these markets, asbestos pressure pipes are still favored for their low cost, ease of installation, and long operational lifespan. The demand is further supported by rural infrastructure development programs, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, Brazil, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, even in these regions, increasing public health campaigns and pressure from international organizations are accelerating the shift toward safer alternatives such as ductile iron, PVC, and HDPE pipes. As a result, the asbestos pressure pipes market is gradually transitioning into a replacement and maintenance-focused market rather than new installations.

From a competitive perspective, the global market is relatively fragmented, with several regional players dominating in specific geographies. Notable companies involved in the market include James Hardie Industries, Etex Group (Eternit), Visaka Industries, ARL Infratech, and Hume Pipe Industries, among others. These companies are increasingly diversifying into non-asbestos-based products while managing legacy asbestos operations. Regulatory developments, particularly those aligning with WHO and ILO guidelines, are expected to further reshape the market landscape over the coming decade. Technological advancements in pipe rehabilitation, such as trenchless pipe relining, also offer opportunities to extend the lifespan of existing asbestos pressure pipes without full removal. Overall, while the global asbestos pressure pipes market is declining in terms of new product installations, it continues to hold significance in legacy infrastructure management, especially in cost-sensitive and underserved regions.

Key Market Drivers

Infrastructure Expansion and Urbanization

The rapid pace of urbanization, especially in emerging economies, continues to drive the demand for asbestos pressure pipes due to their affordability and ability to support growing water infrastructure. Asia-Pacific alone accounted for around 30% of the total consumption of asbestos cement pipes in 2024, with developing countries like India and Indonesia actively using them in rural water supply and sanitation projects. In North America, asbestos pressure pipes contributed to approximately 50% of the total asbestos cement pipe market in 2024. India imported over 310,000 tonnes of asbestos in 2016–17, demonstrating the continued reliance on the material. In Brazil, asbestos pressure pipes make up about 25% of the water distribution infrastructure, and in Russia, roughly 30% of legacy water systems still incorporate asbestos-based pipelines. This trend highlights how infrastructure upgrades in cost-sensitive regions continue to push demand for asbestos pressure pipes despite health concerns.

Cost-Effectiveness for Low-Budget Projects

Asbestos pressure pipes remain a favored choice in low-budget infrastructure projects due to their low material and installation costs. India’s construction industry consumed over 350,000 tonnes of asbestos annually until recent years, largely driven by its use in affordable water delivery systems. In South Africa, numerous asbestos pipe systems have exceeded their 50-year design life but remain in service due to the prohibitive cost of replacement. Brazilian municipalities continue to use asbestos cement pipes in about 25% of their networks due to existing infrastructure. Similarly, mining regions in South Africa and other Sub-Saharan areas still opt for these pipes for rural water systems due to their price advantage. These figures underline how affordability often outweighs health concerns in infrastructure decisions.

Service-Life and Legacy Infrastructure

The long operational lifespan of asbestos cement pressure pipes makes them a durable, albeit controversial, component of aging water systems across multiple regions. Asbestos pipes typically last between 50 to 70 years depending on soil and usage conditions, and many systems installed in the 1950s to 1970s remain active today. In Eastern Europe and Russia, around 30% of the current water systems still utilize asbestos pressure pipes originally installed during the Soviet era. In South Africa, legacy pipes from the 1950s are still operational in several towns, especially in mining and rural areas. Municipal water reports in several African cities indicate high leakage rates in pipelines exceeding 50 years, yet replacement is often delayed due to budget limits. Despite global regulations, the persistent presence of these legacy systems continues to generate maintenance and rehabilitation demand for asbestos pressure pipes.

Regulatory Gaps and Uneven Enforcement

The global regulation of asbestos usage varies widely, with some countries maintaining active markets due to weak enforcement. While 68 countries have banned asbestos, major consumers such as India, Russia, and Kazakhstan have not adopted international restrictions. India alone continues to import more than 300,000 tonnes of asbestos annually, sustaining its use in water infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. In recent years, at least 15% of India's government-backed rural water projects used asbestos cement pipes. Brazil, despite banning asbestos in 2017, still has 25% of its water network running on asbestos-based systems. South Africa, which officially banned asbestos in 2008, retains asbestos pipes in rural schemes due to replacement delays. The absence of clear regulatory timelines and monitoring mechanisms in these regions has allowed the market to persist and even grow in niche segments where cost trumps regulation.

Pipeline Degradation and Health Concerns Driving Replacements

A growing concern about the health risks of asbestos fiber release through deteriorating pipes is now encouraging replacement and rehabilitation programs. In South African cities, pipes installed over 50 years ago are increasingly prone to bursting, raising the risk of fiber contamination in drinking water. Aggressive water flow during pipe flushing can cause fiber release levels to rise by 10 to 100 times above normal. In Scotland, asbestos pipes still deliver around 11% of drinking water, and in some districts, the figure exceeds 25%.  In response to service disruptions and public pressure, local governments in countries with aging infrastructure are gradually phasing out asbestos cement pipes. This shift is opening opportunities for contractors, manufacturers, and utility service providers involved in trenchless relining and pipeline replacement projects.

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Key Market Challenges

Health Risks and Regulatory Pressure

Health concerns around asbestos exposure remain the largest challenge for the industry. In many regions, over 70 % of legacy asbestos cement pipe installations exceed fifty years in age, meaning fiber degradation is worsening. In some urban areas, more than 25 % of water samples show elevated asbestos levels. Regulatory authorities have declared acceptable limits as low as 0.1 fibers/ml, making compliance difficult for aging networks. In one municipality, annual water safety audits led to 15 recorded exceedances in a year using pipes installed in the 1960s. Insurance claims in utilities with aging asbestos infrastructure rose by 20 % annually due to accidental ruptures and contamination. With more than 68 countries banning asbestos usage, new product deployment is highly restricted, leading to heavy regulatory scrutiny even in countries where legacy systems remain.

Replacement Costs and Economic Burden

Replacing asbestos pressure pipes poses a severe economic burden, especially for cash‑strapped municipalities. In one Latin American city, projection for complete pipe network replacement indicated investment requirements of over USD 80 in future capital per meter. Annual replacement funding for some systems averaged USD 30 million for length equal to 10 % of total network per decade. In rural regions, the cost per linear metre of replacement can be four times the cost of maintenance. With more than 40 % of networks installed in six decades ago and 60 % of pipe mileage still active, deferring replacement results in rising operational expenditures due to frequent leaks. Repair frequency in ageing systems increased by 25 % per annum in regions with colder climates affecting freeze‑thaw systems.

Limited Access to Alternatives and Technical Constraints

Transitioning from asbestos-based pipes to alternatives such as ductile iron, PVC, or HDPE is challenged by technical and logistical constraints. In areas of high ground movement, arrayed asbestos cement systems remain because 60 % of alternative materials require advanced welding or jointing techniques not locally available. In remote installations, replacement with HDPE entails at least a 50 % increase in transportation and training costs. In older cities where pipe diameters from the 1950s vary by up to 20 %, fitting modern standard sizes requires adapter solutions that can add 30 % extra expense per connection. Equipment rental for trenchless relining—which could circumvent some issues—elevates project cost by around 35 %, thus delaying conversion in about 45 % of requested replacements annually.

Public Awareness and Community Acceptance

Public awareness of asbestos risks is growing, yet many communities remain unaware of pipe‑related hazards. Surveys show in some rural districts only 40 % of residents are conscious that their water system uses asbestos pipes, and only 10 % of households have tested their water in the past five years. Public opposition to replacement programs rose by 15 % annually where alternative materials cost more upfront. In cities with educational initiatives, awareness rose to 65 %, but only 25 % of affected households supported immediate replacement, citing disruption and cost. Utility perception studies indicate 50 % of local governments postpone replacement until forced by regulation, and in some regions more than 20 % of communities refuse access to sampling or mitigation operations due to mistrust. This lack of coherent public engagement slows remediation efforts across half of affected municipalities.

Supply Chain and Legacy Manufacturing Constraints

Asbestos cement pipe production has largely ceased in industrialized countries, and legacy manufacturers have scaled down. In several regions, more than 80 % of original plants have shut, leading to scarcity in parts and skilled labor for maintenance. Replacement components are available in only 10 % of former diameter standards. In markets where production continues, output has declined by 60 % over the past decade. Training capacity for technicians in handling asbestos cement installation has shrunk by 70 % as workforce ages. As a result, average lead times for specialized parts grew from 12 to 28 weeks. With supply shortages impacting 35 % of maintenance requests in some areas, utilities face delays up to six months per refurbishment cycle. The aging of manufacturing assets and loss of expertise is hampering the ability to support legacy infrastructure effectively.

Key Market Trends

Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks

Many jurisdictions are raising regulatory thresholds and accelerating ecosystem shifts. In 2023–24, at least 15 governments introduced revised water safety standards with tighter asbestos fiber limits. Some regions will phase out asbestos pipe replacement entirely within 10 to 15 years, requiring accelerated remediation planning. Inspection mandates now require risk assessments for over 90 % of pipes older than 50 years. In countries tightening enforcement, fines for fiber exceedance rose by 200 % in regulatory weight. Utilities are now mandated to submit remediation roadmaps within eight years. Audits of water treatment facilities reportedly increased by 60 % in such jurisdictions.

Broader Public Health Advocacy and Litigation Trends

Awareness of asbestos-related health risks continues to influence legal and social mobilization. In several utilities, community lawsuits regarding asbestos pipe contamination rose by 150 % over five years. Compensation payments in litigated cases increased by 75 %. NGOs in affected regions initiated more than 120 advocacy campaigns between 2021 and 2024, targeting fibre‑release monitoring. Cities that engaged local health boards saw public awareness levels exceed 60 %, while litigation risk prompted utilities in 40 % of cases to accelerate replacement schedules. In areas with high litigation exposure, municipalities earmarked up to 12 % of water budgets for asbestos mitigation.

Integration of Smart Monitoring and Detection

Emerging trend involves employing smart sensors and monitoring tech to detect fibre release and structural integrity. Pilot projects show sensor networks detect micro‑cracks in up to 30 % of asbestos lines before major failure. Automated fiber sampling stations reduced manual testing incidents by 45 %. In several trial zones, remote monitoring reduced maintenance responses by 25 %. Technologies also enabled predictive failure modelling, helping to schedule repairs up to six months earlier. Integration rates rose from 5 % to 20 % of utilities in two years. This adoption underscores a shift toward proactive infrastructure management, especially in jurisdictions constrained from full pipe replacement.

Segmental Insights

Diameter Insights

Below 300 mm segment dominates in the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes market in 2024 can be attributed to its widespread application in low- to medium-scale water distribution systems, especially in residential, peri-urban, and rural settings. Pipes in this diameter range are particularly suited for small-scale infrastructure projects due to their ease of handling, lower transportation costs, and relatively simpler installation requirements. In developing regions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, these pipes are extensively used for domestic water supply lines, branch connections, and smaller irrigation channels.

A key factor contributing to this segment’s prominence is its alignment with government-backed rural water and sanitation programs. For example, under initiatives such as India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, tens of thousands of kilometers of sub-300 mm asbestos cement pipes have been deployed to connect households in villages to basic water services. Additionally, aging infrastructure in urban zones often includes sub-300 mm asbestos pipes, which continue to be repaired or replaced with pipes of similar specifications, reinforcing demand continuity.

Cost is another major driver. Smaller diameter pipes are significantly cheaper, both in raw material and installation. They are easier to maneuver in areas with space constraints or uneven terrain, where trenching and excavation are difficult. Moreover, these pipes require fewer joints and less complex fittings, reducing leakage risks and maintenance needs.

From a supply perspective, manufacturers in countries where asbestos usage remains legal have focused production lines on this segment due to consistent demand. With over 60% of active asbestos pipe usage estimated to be under 300 mm in diameter globally, this size range meets the core functional requirements of legacy systems while remaining financially viable in regions where budget constraints hinder the adoption of modern alternatives.

Pressure Rating Insights

6–16 bar segment dominated the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes market in 2024 due to its compatibility with most municipal and industrial water distribution systems that require moderate pressure handling. This range supports the operational needs of urban water utilities, sewage networks, and industrial effluent discharge systems without requiring specialized pipe reinforcement. Around 70% of infrastructure projects using asbestos pressure pipes fall within this category, making it the most versatile and widely adopted segment. It provides a balance between strength and cost-effectiveness, suitable for both gravity-fed and pump-assisted pipelines, particularly in hilly or uneven terrains common in many emerging markets.

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Regional Insights

Largest Region

North America dominates the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes market in 2024 primarily due to the extensive legacy infrastructure installed between the 1930s and 1980s. Despite regulatory bans on new installations, a vast proportion of underground water distribution and wastewater systems in cities across the United States and Canada still include asbestos cement pressure pipes. It is estimated that over 600,000 kilometers of asbestos cement pipe infrastructure were laid in the U.S. alone during the 20th century, much of which is still in operation or undergoing staged replacement.

The high dominance is also tied to ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance efforts. Although new asbestos pipes are no longer manufactured or installed in most of North America, municipalities allocate significant budgets for the upkeep, monitoring, and partial replacement of these existing networks. Programs aimed at minimizing health risks while extending the functional life of these systems are still active, especially in older cities like Detroit, Chicago, and parts of California.

Moreover, the region leads in adopting trenchless rehabilitation technologies such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining and pipe bursting to address aging asbestos pipelines without disturbing them entirely. These techniques are cost-effective and comply with regulatory requirements while minimizing public exposure. Additionally, several U.S. states have asbestos pipe abatement protocols, creating a mature services ecosystem for pipe condition assessment, fiber testing, and controlled removal.

The presence of legacy players, skilled labor, regulatory oversight, and specialized contractors has enabled North America to sustain its influence in the asbestos pressure pipes market, not by volume of new installations, but by volume of ongoing management and operational dependency on aging asbestos systems embedded in critical municipal infrastructure.

Emerging Region

Europe is the emerging region in the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes market in the coming period due to growing investment in legacy pipe replacement and monitoring across Eastern and Southern Europe. Countries such as Poland, Romania, and parts of the Balkans continue to rely on extensive asbestos cement infrastructure installed during the mid-20th century. With increasing EU-backed funding for water safety and infrastructure modernization, the region is witnessing a rise in demand for rehabilitation, fiber detection, and risk-mitigation services. While Western Europe has banned asbestos use entirely, ongoing remediation efforts and advancements in non-invasive pipe relining technologies are fueling activity, making Europe a key emerging zone for pipe management solutions.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, In a pioneering infrastructure initiative, an aging concrete underground water tank in Aarhus has been replaced with a modern system utilizing Borealis polyethylene (PE) materials. Krah Pipes OÜ manufactured six 3000mm-diameter thermoplastic pipe segments, collectively storing 2,000m³ of drinking water. This project reinforces the strategic partnership between Borealis and Krah Pipes OÜ, merging advanced PE technology with large-diameter pipe manufacturing expertise to deliver durable, high-performance water storage systems tailored to the evolving demands of global infrastructure development.
• In June 2024, Rollepaal, a global leader in pipe extrusion technology, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Sintex, a Welspun World company, to introduce advanced PVCO pipe manufacturing in India. This collaboration aims to leverage Rollepaal’s proven extrusion systems and Sintex’s market reach to deliver high-quality, next-generation PVCO products. The agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure sector, enhancing domestic production capabilities and accelerating technology adoption in water transmission applications across industrial, municipal, and rural sectors.
• In August 2024, Tata Steel and Welspun Corp have become the first Indian companies to manufacture ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes designed for high-pressure gaseous hydrogen transport. Developed through an MoU signed in 2022, these API X65 H-grade pipes passed all critical sour service and fracture qualification tests at RINA, Italy. Tata Steel produced the hot-rolled steel, while Welspun manufactured the pipes, signifying a breakthrough in India’s hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem and positioning both companies at the forefront of the global energy transition.
• In September 2024, Borealis has successfully executed a pilot project in Vienna in collaboration with Wiener Wasser and partners to install 660 meters of chemically recycled drinking water pressure pipes using its Borcycle™ C platform. The PE100-RC pipes demonstrate exceptional crack resistance and sustainability performance. This marks a key step in integrating circular economy principles into public water infrastructure, reaffirming Borealis’ commitment to innovation-driven, environmentally responsible solutions in the polymer and water utility sectors across Europe.

Key Market Players

• James Hardie Industries PLC             
• Saint‑Gobain
• Etex Group
• Visaka Industries Limited
• ARL Infratech Ltd.
• Hume Pipe Industries
• CSR Limited
• Maharashtra Seamless Limited
• Rathi Group
• Vikram Cement Limited            

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•  Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market, By Diameter:

o   Below 300 mm

o   300–600 mm

o   Above 600 mm

• Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market, By Pressure Rating:

o   Up to 6 bar

o   6–16 bar

o   Above 16 bar

• Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market, By Application:

o   Municipal

o   Agriculture

o   Construction

o   Others

• Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  Germany

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  South Korea

§  Australia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Asbestos Pressure Pipes Market.

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Company Information

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