Plain Bearing Market - By Type, By Material, By Material, By End Use Industry, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2025 - 2034

Plain Bearing Market Size

The global plain bearing market size was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 10.9 billion in 2025 to USD 17.8 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.6%. The demand for components such as plain bearings is increasing due to the low maintenance costs and high reliability provided by automation in high-performance machinery. The advanced robotics industry is virtually everywhere now, from the manufacturing stage to the transportation of goods, packaging, and material handling. With contemporary industry turning its focus towards operational and productivity precision, automation is becoming a staple in many fields. Due to the ability to withstand high loads, these bearings are used in highly contaminated environments and are subjected to extreme conditions.
 

According to the International Federation of Robotics’ the World Robotics report published in September 2024, recorded 4,281,585 units operating in factories worldwide - an increase of 10%. Annual installations exceeded half a million units for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, they are ideal for applications with restricted maintenance access or in high-cost downtime environments. Robotic systems incorporate plain bearings in joints, each actuator, and even in linear motion systems due to their smooth rotary and translational motion. Bearings are quiet and provide vibration damping which is useful during precision work. Compact size and capability to oscillate without brinelling make them ideal for use robotic arms and end-effectors.
 

The continual increase in the global demand for plain bearings is mainly associated with the growth of the aerospace industry because of the need for lightweight, strong, and maintenance-free parts, especially in old and new aircraft for international travel, cargo movement, and defense activities. Demand for aviation grade plain bearings is higher than ever because of increased air passenger movement, growing commercial aircraft, and new military/space vehicles being developed.
 

Plain Bearing Market Trends

• Developing economies in the Asia Pacific, Latin American, and parts of Africa are witnessing a rise in various economic sectors such as agriculture, automotive, construction, and manufacturing, all of which are heavily dependent on bearings. Furthermore, the acceleration of urbanization and industrialization in these regions contributes to boosting sales in plain bearings.
   
• The rise of the India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia economies has resulted in increased spending power for the middle-class, resulting in increased vehicle production. This, along with an increase in automation in the manufacturing sector, is driving the demand for effective machinery. There is a rapid and continuous need growing for heavy-duty machinery components like plain bearings which are vital for optimally operating engines and vehicles.
   
• In addition, policies initiated by the government focusing on expanding infrastructure along with direct investment (FDI) are bringing in foreign OEMs and industrial figures for setting up plants. The India Brand Equity Foundation reported that FDI in India's manufacturing sector has reached USD 165.1 billion, a 69% increase over the past decade, due to production-linked incentive schemes. This localization of production increases the need for reliable, low maintenance bearing solutions.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The plain bearing market’s disruption during the Trump Administration’s tariffs, especially those targeting Chinese imports which included many industrial metals, machined parts, and mechanical assemblies, creates a striking example. Since China was a primary source of low-cost and high-volume plain bearings, as well as associated raw materials like steel and bronze, these tariffs severely constrained the procurement cost for bearing manufacturers and OEMs reliant on Chinese imports.
   
• Due to imposition of tariffs, manufacturers faced higher operational costs. They either absorbed the cost or passed it on to the consumers, which now include the automotive as well as construction and aerospace industries. In the industry, competitively priced value chains face challenges in terms of competitiveness and margin erosion. To tackle the challenges, these companies began to broaden their supplier network beyond China to decrease their dependence on China.
   
• The strategic change resulted in an increase in the extent of sourcing and manufacturing done in India and Vietnam, and some Eastern European countries. However, these changes came with problems such as longer lead times, inconsistencies with quality control, and having to recertify contractors in critical safety and reliability domains.
   

Plain Bearing Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is categorized into angular contact, journal, linear, thrust, and others. The journal machines segment generated a revenue of USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at CAGR of around 6.2% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
 

• Due to its use in automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, the journal bearing segment has the largest share in the market. It is used in high-speed and high-load machinery. Journal and radial bearings can be found in rotating shafts, engines, turbines, electric motors, pumps, and other machinery. These journal bearings are efficient for industrial use since they can withstand harsh environments as well as demanding automotive conditions.
   
• With journal bearings, one of the main features is its simple design. They can also carry out continuous rotation motions if there is proper lubrication which makes their use frictionless. Because of this, there is a reduction in maintenance costs, and there is an increase in the life expectancy of the equipment. This is especially useful for sectors that are dependent on machine uptime, as they are more efficient and productive.
   
• In August 2023, RBC Bearings Incorporated, a manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries, announced the acquisition of the business assets of Specline Inc., a manufacturer of precision bearings for the commercial and defense aerospace markets, for USD 18.7 million. Specline produces standard and custom configuration precision spherical bearings, rod ends and journal bearings. By bolstering its aerospace capabilities, RBC is well-positioned to drive accelerated growth in the journal bearing segment of the market.
   

Based on distribution channel, the plain bearing market is divided into direct and indirect. The direct segment accounted for 65.9% in 2024 and billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at CAGR of around 5.8% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
 

• Sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery which are the most prolific users of plain bearings are very sensitive to precision, quality, and timing of delivery. Direct distribution helps to fulfill customer needs adequately about bearing solution integration and engineering compliance with industry standards.
   
• In addition, having the direct contact with the customers gives the sales the ability to collect and integrate feedback, which allows for more agile product development and prompt remediation of performance malfunctions, Issues, or emerging requirements. In the defense and aerospace sectors which heavily rely on components with ultra–high dependability, customers expect to get reliable consistent product. 
   
• Additionally, price, margins, and control over inventory are directly influenced by the intermediaries. Thes factors also play an important role in market competition, in which having controlled operational efficiency and product differentiation becomes imperative.
   

Based on end-use industry, the plain bearing market is divided into automotive, industrial, aerospace, energy, construction machinery, agriculture & gardening equipment, oilfield machinery, office products, and others. In 2024, the automotive segment dominates the market and is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
 

• The market was the largest for transport as the demand for lightweight and high-strength materials for vehicles, ships, and rail systems increased. Transport is some of the most fuel-efficient, high-performing, and safe machinery out there. They rely on composite textiles (glass/carbon/aramid fiber-reinforced textiles) for their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and energy absorption capabilities.
   
• Fuel-efficient transport is now automakers’ and shipbuilding companies’ primary focus due to the surge in emissions regulations. These advanced regulations are now supporting the use of composite materials that support semi-structured woven, knitted, or multi-axial fabrics. The latter are now used in bulk in vehicle components, driving the demand for equipment capable of processing advanced textile reinforcements. 
   
• According to the Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles, in 2024, global car manufacturing totaled 75.5 million units. Countries such as China, which saw a robust 5.2% increase, further solidified its position as the world’s largest car producer with a 35.4% market share, while production in Japan and South Korea declined by 8.6% and 1.2%, respectively.
   

The U.S. dominated the North America plain bearing market with a value of USD 1.13 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. 
 

• The demand for plain bearings is increasing in the U.S. due to the increasing investment in automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation sectors. In 2023, foreign car manufacturers produced approximately 4.9 million cars in the U.S., as reported by Autos Drive America. Support from the government, new innovations in composite materials, and the recent phenomena of offshoring business to overseas markets are favorable for enhanced investment in U.S. manufacturing facilities and capital equipment.
   
• The demand for plain bearings in Germany is increasing due to the country's strong industrial base, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and machinery industries. As per a 2023 report from Germany Trade and Invest, the German automotive sector’s revenue was USD 634.83 billion in 2023, reflecting a 10.2% growth compared to 2022. Plain bearing's simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness make plain bearings advantageous for different applications.
   
• With the continued development of the automobile and manufacturing industries and the increase in infrastructure investment in China, there is a growing demand for plain bearings. The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles reported that China's automobile production increased from 26.13 million units in 2021 to 30.16 million units in 2023.
   
• The rise in infrastructure development and the industrial transformation, along with the diversification of the Saudi economy from oil-related activities, is causing an increase in the consumption of plain bearings in the region. Furthermore, the aerospace, automotive, construction, and renewable energy industries are also expanding, which is increasing the demand for reliable and low maintenance bearing solutions.
   

Plain Bearing Market Share

• The market is consolidated with the top 5 players including NSK Ltd., NTN Corporation, RBC Bearings, Schaeffler Group, and SKF Group share of about 10-15% in 2024.
   
• NSK Ltd. has strong recognition in the global markets due to its innovation in tribology and precision engineering. The company manufactures and sells an extensive range of plain bearings used in automobile and construction industries, as well as high-capacity industrial machines, which include low-speed motors and generators. NSK’s global infrastructure, which includes Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia, allows them to offer long-lasting and high-performance bearing solutions. Their enduring competitive advantage in developing and sustaining markets comes from consistently advancing material science and eco-friendly projects.
   
• Bearing industry veterans NTN Corporation leads the plain bearings market, alongside their history in mechanical components. NTN supplies various industries including aerospace, railways, and industrial machinery with bearing systems renowned for their durability and low friction. These products are tailored to suit specific machines. In Japan and abroad, NTN has strategic engineering centers that enable them to develop custom bearing solutions. Global market presence has grown for NTN due to their strategic alliances along with increasing production facilities in Asia and North America.
   
• RBC Bearings has developed a marked presence in the plain bearings sector of the aerospace and defense industry. The company sells to both OEMs and aftermarket clients high-precision bearings crafted for demanding environments. RBC has achieved growth through a strong acquisition strategy along with investments in specialized manufacturing throughout the U.S. RBC Bearings focuses on custom design solutions and excels in load bearing performance that enhances their bearing applications on an international scale.
   

Plain Bearing Market Companies

Major players operating in the plain bearing industry are:

• ELCEE Group
• ElringKlinger AG
• HepcoMotion
• igus GmbH
• NSK Ltd.
• NTN Corporation
• Ovako
• RBC Bearings
• Schaeffler Group
• SGL Carbon
• SKF Group
• THK
• Timken Company
• UBC (Shanghai) Precision Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
• ZOLLERN GmbH & Co. KG
   

The advancement of the plain bearings sector focuses on new approaches and investments aimed at enhancing operational performance and improving operational performance. Environmentally secure production methods the development of the plain bearings industry centers on new approaches and investments to enhance operational performance and productivity. Conservation of the environment is becoming more important due to its imperative impact on ecological balance and includes the reduction of friction losses through the processes of dry lubrication, development of lead-free alloys, and precision casting of ecological constructs. These processes, which change ecologically harmful practices, help to minimize ecological damage. Corporations such as NSK Ltd and NTN Corporation are at the forefront of these changes by more emission-reducing policies into their proprietary plain bearings, less toxic paints, and paints made from recyclables which significantly lower poisonous emissions.

Furthermore, compliance with international standards such as ISO 14001 and RoHS directives creates the demand for traceability and lifecycle scanning throughout supply chains. These standards foster the development of eco-focus logistics and product design at the software level. In addition, stronger collaboration between material scientists and component engineers advanced bearing design and development for efficient energy consumption in actuators and other components for high demand markets: automotive, aerospace, and next-gen industrial automation.
 

Plain Bearing Industry News

• In September 2024, igus developed new lubrication-free plain bearing materials without PTFE. New endurance material iglidur JPF supplements the wide range of wear-resistant PFAS- and PTFE-free polymer bearings.
   
• In September 2024, The Canadian-based industrial distribution group Ficodis, owned by France-based Descours & Cabaud, acquired Berliss Bearing Company. In its 2^nd U.S. acquisition this year, Ficodis added a Whippany, NJ-based company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing mechanical seals and bearing products. Berliss Bearing Company also offers pump seal assemblies and electric motor quality bearings.
   
• In October 2023, Rheinmetall wins a new order for plain bearings from an automaker active in the e-mobility domain. The first components will be delivered starting in January 2024. Rheinmetall's quote remains valid until 2017; there is currently no time limit on the customer's order.
   
• In September 2022, Schaeffler developed bearing solutions for wind turbine gearboxes with a plain bearing arrangement for supporting planetary gears.
   

The plain bearing market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) (Thousand Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type, 2021 - 2034

• Angular contact
• Journal
• Linear
• Thrust
• Others

Market, By Material, 2021 - 2034

• Metallic bearings
• Plastic bearings
• Composite bearings

Market, By End Use Industry, 2021 - 2034

• Automotive
• Industrial
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Construction machinery
• Agriculture & gardening equipment
• Oilfield machinery
• Office products
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2034

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa