Roller Bearings Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2025-2034

Roller Bearings Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The global roller bearings market size was valued at USD 18.24 billion in 2024 and is expected to be worth around USD 40.68 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.35% from 2025 to 2034.

Rolling bearings are used to create the conditions for relative movement of rotating parts and to transfer loads from moving to stationary parts or vice versa. In addition to sufficient load capacity, the bearing must ensure the required accuracy of the position of the axis of rotating parts in the state of rotation, as well as a sufficiently high rotation speed and allow possible deviations in the position of the axis of rotation, which may be due to production deviations or elastic deformations. The extremely complex function of the bearings requires the use of special manufacturing technologies, and they are manufactured by specialized manufacturers. In addition, a wide range of design solutions has been developed. Shapes and dimensions of rolling bearings, tolerances of dimensions and shapes, material, quality, installation method and control are prescribed by standards. The bearings are supplied assembled and ready for installation, so during design it is only necessary to select the appropriate bearing.

CEO Statements

• Akitoshi Ichii, President & CEO, NSK Ltd.: "In EVs and other areas of electrification, bearings are required to reduce energy loss."
• Rohit Saboo, President & CEO NEI: "Bearings continue to play a pivotal role in electric and hybrid powertrains, which lie at the heart of sustainable transportation solutions."

Report Highlights

• The Asia-Pacific region has lead the market in 2024 and accounted revenue share of 39.45%.
• The North Americ has captured revenue share of 28.94% in 2024.
• By application, the automotive segment has accounted revenue share of 43.28% in 2024.
• By type, the cylindrical roller bearings segment has garnered highest revenue share in 2024.

Roller Bearings Market Growth Factors

• Increasing demand from the automotive industry: Over the last few decades, the automotive components sector has witnessed significant growth, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Continuous advancements in production processes and increasing demand from the automotive industry are two of the major factors that have had a significant impact on the expansion of the rolling bearings market throughout the assessment period. Currently, market players are placing greater emphasis on manufacturing bearings that meet customer demand for high efficiency, less unexpected downtime, and increased productivity.
• Growing demand for lightweight rolling bearings: Manufacturers are placing emphasis on reducing the weight of rolling bearings to reduce vehicle emissions and improve vehicle efficiency. This significant move is fuelling the global rolling bearings market. The automotive industry is focusing on manufacturing lightweight rolling bearings, especially in modern cars and SUVs. Moreover, lightweight rolling bearings are characterized by high durability and rigidity. The integration of such bearings is widely adopted in electric vehicles as high durability reduces the load on the motor and increases the lifespan of the vehicles, further increasing the market.
• Increasing importance of reliability: In industries where production is affected by machine breakdowns, more emphasis is being placed on reliability and maintenance of the equipment. Bearings are important parts of the respective machines as they bear a great responsibility for the working mechanism. This has created the need for bearings that can be used for longer periods and require less maintenance while withstanding adverse operating conditions. By adopting things like smart bearings and advanced materials, the reliability of the various bearings can be improved and solutions can be provided that do not require frequent maintenance and downtime.

Roller Bearings Market Trends

• Reduced Noise and Vibration: Automobile roller bearings are being developed to reduce noise and vibration. Concerns about the impact of NVH are critical for improving passenger comfort and driving experience. The internal structure and design of roller bearings are being reduced to reduce noise and vibration, particularly in crucial areas like suspension systems.
• Smart technology integration: The automobile industry is adopting smart technologies, and roller bearings are no exception. Smart roller bearings with sensors and monitoring systems are now being developed to offer real-time data on bearing health and performance. These can detect early indicators of wear or failure, allowing for preventive maintenance and reducing the chance of unexpected failures.
• Longer lifespan and durability: The need for strong, long-lasting bearings continues to escalate as cars get progressively more complex and advanced. Automotive bearing manufacturers have incorporated the latest materials and coatings to improve the wear resistance of the equipment and extend the maintenance cycle. This tendency is particularly evident in high-load applications such as roller bearings and systems.

Report Scope

Roller Bearings Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rise of industrial automation

• The Industry 4.0 initiative places particular emphasis on the networking of components, machines and production systems through the use of IT systems that are either top-down or integrated into machines. This requires components that can detect and transmit condition-based information. Rolling bearings play a crucial role in this, as they are responsible for guiding and positioning as well as supporting process forces and movements. For example, to independently find solutions to error messages or to carry out active process control based on data from the bearings.

Growing interest in robots and electric cars

• Sales of electric vehicles increased by 18% in 2023, according to the International Energy Agency, as sales reached a total of 14 million units. Strong growth prospects can also be observed in the installation of industrial robots, as automation is increasingly advancing across all industries. For example, according to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2023, around 553,052 industrial robots were installed in factories, with 73% of the total robots deployed in Asia. Rolling bearings play a crucial role in electric vehicles and robots as they improve reliability, overall efficiency and performance. These components enable high rotational accuracy and smooth operation of electric vehicles and robots across the industry.

Restraints

Premature Failures

• Premature failures of rolling element bearings are unexpected failures before the end of their expected service life. The problems arise from numerous factors that originate either from the rolling element bearings themselves or from the machine in which they are installed. The main cause of premature failures of rolling element bearings is excessive stress and wear on the bearing components during operation, especially the components that allow the bearings to rotate. This results in abrasion and surface wear between inner and outer rings, rolling elements, raceways and contaminants, leading to frequent replacement and increased maintenance costs.

Availability of Counterfeits

• Counterfeit bearings are a significant market constraint for assembled bearings. Frequent bearing failures caused by counterfeit products result in increased costs, hazards and reduced machine reliability. These rolling element bearings are made from inferior materials, often manufactured on old machines by workers earning minimum wage. The packaging of these fake bearings is similar to that of genuine items, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish between fake and genuine products.

Opportunities

Electrification and Hybridization Transition

• As more people opt for electric and hybrid vehicles, there is a growing desire for rolling bearings which satisfy the peculiar needs associated with such powertrains. EVs necessitate outstanding performance, low-friction rolling bearings to increase their efficiency and endurance. Manufacturers are developing special bearings to meet the needs of electric vehicles, such as bearings for electric motors and regenerative braking systems.

Developing specialized and application-focused solutions

• Specially made rolling bearings are becoming increasingly vital for certain scenarios as makers strive in expanding the variety of cars they propose. Rolling bearings that are built to withstand specific usage scenarios, such high-speed performance or rough terrain capability, are growing in prominence. They also convey an assortment of application-dependent alternatives to meet the distinctive demands of various makes and models and operating conditions.

Challenges

Improper Lubrication

• Lubricant contamination can have a significant impact on rolling element bearings by causing accelerated wear, reducing operating efficiency and ultimately leading to premature failure. Contaminants such as dirt, dust, debris, moisture or foreign matter penetrating the lubricant surrounding the rolling element bearings can cause several negative effects such as abrasive wear, increased friction, corrosion, clogging and blockages and lubricant degradation.

Concerns with fake brinelling effects are growing

• One phenomenon that might negatively impact rolling element bearings is false brinelling effects. They arise when bearings undergo micro-movements, which are frequently induced by vibration or oscillation, even while the inner ring of the bearing remains fixed. This constant movement at the contact sites between the rolling components wear or damage the raceway can result in severe wear or damage over time.

Roller Bearings Market Segmental Analaysis

The roller bearings market is segmented into type, material, application and region. Based on type, the market is classified into spherical roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings, and ball bearings. Based on material, the market is classified into metal, steel, resin, synthetic rubber, and ceramic. Based on application, the market is classified into automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery and Others.

Type Analysis

Spherical Roller Bearings: Spherical roller bearings are very robust and work on the same principle as spherical bearings, except that they use spherical rollers instead of ball rollers, which allows them to accommodate higher loads. This allows misalignment between the shaft and housing to be compensated. Spherical roller bearings are suitable for accommodating high radial loads and medium axial loads.

Cylindrical Roller Bearings: Cylindrical roller bearings use line contact between the rolling elements and the raceways, which optimizes the distribution of stress factors at the point of contact. This arrangement means that cylindrical roller bearings have a very high radial load rating. Depending on the design, they can also carry limited amounts of axial loads.

Tapered Roller Bearings: Narrow rollers are placed in between both the inner and outer rings of these bearings, characterized by limited raceways. Due to the contact angle, tapered roller bearings can accommodate high radial and axial forces in one direction. Tapered roller bearings are often combined in pairs to accommodate axial forces in both directions.

Needle Roller Bearings: Needle bearings are a special type of cylindrical roller bearing that contains long, thin rolling elements, known as needle rollers. The ratio of diameter to length is between 1:3 and 1:10. Needle bearings have a high load rating and are only suitable for radial forces. In confined spaces, needle bearings can be a good solution.

Material Analysis

Metal: Small and medium sized roller bearings use pressed steel cages while high strength roller bearings use carbon steel. Besides these two, depending on the application, nickel, chromium and molybdenum steel are also used mainly in aircraft.

Steel: Steel is used as the main material for roller bearings and ball bearings for both the rolling components and the rings. However, some industrial cases require other properties such as higher corrosion resistance, porosity, cost savings, scuffing resistance, lightweight materials and high durability. Some of the steel roller bearings are made of high carbon chromium bearing steel, carburizing steel and corrosion resistant bearing steel. Steel roller bearings are widely used in heavy machinery.

Resin: A lightweight cage uses resin as a material as it is easy to form into complicated shapes. Although it has lower heat resistance, an application that requires less heat and strength benefits from this property.

Synthetic Rubber: Synthetic rubber with high heat resistance is usually used as a material for roller bearing seals. There are different types of rubber with their properties suitable for the respective applications such as nitrile rubber which has high heat, wear and oil resistance and is suitable for operating temperature of -20 to 120°C. Acrylic rubber has excellent oil resistance and also has the highest heat resistance for rubber. The operating temperature range is -15 to 150°C. Fluororubber is a material with excellent heat, oil and chemical resistance and the operating temperature range is -20 to 230°C.

Ceramic: Ceramic roller bearings are manufactured to produce a highly corrosion resistant and durable bearing using two ceramic rings and a fluororesin retainer. The advantages of using ceramic roller bearings are high hardness, corrosion resistance, durability, light weight, high temperature resistance, low density and low maintenance as no lubrication is required. The applications for ceramic roller bearings are often in high speed and corrosive environments.

Application Analysis

Automotive: The automotive segment has dominated the market in 2024. The technological environment is rapidly changing, steering us toward electric and autonomous vehicles while simultaneously increasing production and stimulating the economy. This transition necessitates the development of engines that are lighter yet more resilient, as manufacturers place greater emphasis on performance and fuel efficiency. This is accelerating the development of sophisticated engine technologies with high compression ratios and fast-rotating components. Furthermore, vehicle electrification is boosting the growth. To endure high speeds, electric vehicle motors and gearboxes require high-performance bearings.

Aerospace: The aviation industry is yet another end user that utilizes the rolling element bearings. The growth of the aerospace segment is due to the increasing interest in travel, the need to renew aging fleets while complying with strict environmental regulations, pressure on fuel prices, and the availability of new technologies to improve global and local transportation systems. As aircraft manufacturers develop new aircraft models with advanced engines and systems that provide better fuel efficiency, speed, and reliability, greater emphasis is being placed on long-life bearings.

Industrial Machinery: Industrial machinery such as machine tools, pumps and compressors, and electric motors also adopt cylindrical roller bearings. In light of the growing need for precision and accuracy in contemporary industrial machinery, it is crucial to utilize bearings that can endure substantial loads without experiencing deformation. The effectiveness of bearings in electric motors is subject to various influences, including the operational environment, the demands of the load, and the unique design characteristics of the motor itself. Electric motors typically use roller bearings. In mining and construction machinery, the use of bearings is important. Mining and construction machinery typically operate in harsh and difficult environments such as high loads, high shock, high vibration, and dust. Therefore, roller bearings are used because of their extremely durable and high load capacity, impact resistance, wear resistance, high sealing properties, and other properties to reduce equipment downtime and ensure reliable and smooth operation, so that the machinery operates at its best.

Others: Other applications include agriculture, railroads, and energy. In agriculture, rolling element bearings enable smooth rotation of threshing components and effective separation of grains from the stalks of the crop. Because they can withstand the high loads and dynamic forces of threshing, bearings ensure reliable performance and minimize downtime. Rolling element bearings, which use rolling components like balls or cylinders to efficiently carry loads, are essential in the railway industry. By reducing friction, this design makes operating smooth, especially in high-speed settings like locomotives. Although these bearings have advantages, they can produce noise and may require more regular maintenance than other bearing types in the market. Having effective bearings on generator sets enhances energy sector efficiency. They rely on providing long-term dependability along with high preciseness, both of and they're essential for sustaining steady power output. This cutting-edge innovation is necessary for backing up an uninterrupted and flawless operation of electrical infrastructure.

Roller Bearings Market Regional Analysis

The roller bearings market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

What factors are driving the fastest revenue growth in the roller bearings market in the Asia Pacific region?

The Asia-Pacific roller bearings market size was accounted for USD 7.20 billion in 2024 and is predicted to surpass around USD 16.05 billion by 2034. In countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, the market is growing rapidly due to a variety of factors, including as the growth of infrastructure, urbanization, and industrialization. Numerous industries, which include production process, mineral extraction, engineering, and the automobile industries, place emphasis on these bearings. The advancement of the rolling bearing industries in Asia is severely influenced by China, a major technological marketplace. The criterion for cylindrical roller bearings has enhanced significantly to China's fast economic boom, notably in the automobile sector. Increasing regional use of machinery and automation in various industries has increased the demand for cylindrical roller bearings.

North America hit notable growth in the roller bearings market?

The North America roller bearings market size was valued at USD 5.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 11.77 billion by 2034. Numerous variables such as industrial expansion, technological advancements, and demand from various industries including automotive, aerospace, and engineering industries influence the market in North America. Due to their large radial load capacity and relatively low friction, these bearings are an important part of various applications. SKF, Timken Company, NSK Ltd., NTN Corporation, and Schaeffler AG are worldwide leaders in this region. Product quality, pricing, and distribution tactics all have an impact on market dynamics and innovation, making competition among these enterprises critical.

Why is Europe experience positive growth in the roller bearings market?

The Europe roller bearings market size was valued at USD 4.51 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around USD 10.06 billion by 2034. The European market is projected to experience positive growth due to Industry 4.0 and new manufacturing facilities such as warehouses and distribution centers. The growth of the rolling bearing market in Europe is further driven by the sales and production of electric and hybrid cars, and the expansion and growth of the automotive and automotive industries. In addition, to increase the reliability of the final product, manufacturers are developing innovative bearing assemblies that incorporate bearing connection components, thereby improving bearing performance. In addition, advances in bearing technology, including maintenance monitoring and data sharing, are constantly being researched and developed for wider applications in the future. In addition, smart bearings are being used in key sectors such as defense, rail and aerospace to reduce replacement frequency and cut overhead costs.

Why is LAMEA region experiencing steady growth in the roller bearings market?

The LAMEA roller bearings market was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach around USD 2.80 billion by 2034. The market in Latin America is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing industrialization and expansion of key sectors such as automotive, mining, energy and construction. There are many local bearing manufacturers in Latin America, but the region is highly dependent on global imports to meet demand. Key regional markets include Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, which import large volumes of bearings from leading international manufacturers. The Latin American market is heavily populated by large international companies such as SKF, NTN, Schaeffler, Timken and NSK. A growing oil and gas industry that requires robust roller bearings to withstand harsh working conditions and increase the reliability of drilling rigs, pipelines and refinery facilities is expected to drive rapid growth of the Middle East and Africa market in the coming years. Additionally, the growing significance of green energy sources like solar and wind contributes to the need for rolling bearings in the businesses which generate solar panels and wind turbines. Furthermore, growing development in the MEA area is creating new prospects in the rolling bearings industry. Moreover, growing applications in the industrial and mining sectors are propelling market growth, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria.

Roller Bearings Market Top Companies

• Schaeffler India Limited
• JTEKT India Limited
• NRB Bearings Limited
• SKF
• Menon Bearings Ltd.
• SNL Bearings Limited
• NTN Corporation
• Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp
• Bimetal Bearings Limited
• National Engineering Industries Ltd (NEI)
• Boca Bearings
• Kennametal India Limited
• IKO International Inc.
• MBP Bearings Ltd.
• BMW Motorrad
• HCH Bearing
• RBC Bearings Incorporated
• Harbin Bearing Manufacturing Co. Ltd
• Zhejiang Tianma Bearing Group
• Galaxy Bearings Limited
• Fersa Bearings

Large companies in the sector are always spending money on research and development to improve the overall quality of their products. In order to create the ideal product that precisely satisfies consumer expectations, several well-known rolling bearing industry participants are spending enormous sums of money on research and development. The growing demand for higher performance in applications is expected to be a major driver for the growth of the rolling bearing industry. In February 2023, the US-based rolling bearing manufacturer The Timken acquired American Roller Bearing Company for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Timken aims to expand its portfolio of engineered bearing solutions, strengthen its market presence in the US, and enhance its competitive position through ARB’s established aftermarket business and customer base.

Recent Developments

Key players in the roller bearings industry are pivotal in delivering a variety of innovative construction solutions, such as prefabrication techniques, sustainable materials, and advanced digital technologies.

• In February 2024, Timken initiated a comprehensive testing of a new line of lightweight crossed roller bearings for aircraft applications that dramatically decrease weight while retaining good performance and reliability under harsh circumstances.
• In November 2023, Timken effectively completed the acquisition of Engineering Solutions Group, commonly known as iMECH or Innovative Mechanical Solutions.
• Kennametal India Limited's WIDMA cutting Solutions Group introduced the VT850, a 2-axis vertical lathe with improved performance for cutting big components, in November 2023.
• In September 2023, BMW Motorrad launched the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, expanding its high-performance offering for the automotive industry.
• In August 2023, Schaeffler India Limited, a subsidiary of Schaeffler AG, signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares of KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Private Limited, hereinafter referred to as "KRSV".
• In May 2023, NSK Limited launched a new range of crossed roller bearings optimized for electric motors, with the aim of improving performance and efficiency in the growing electric vehicle industry.

Market Segmentation

By Type

• Spherical Roller Bearings
• Cylindrical Roller Bearings
• Tapered Roller Bearings
• Needle Roller Bearings
• Ball Bearings

By Material

• Metal
• Steel
• Resin
• Synthetic Rubber
• Ceramic

By Application 

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Industrial Machinery
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• APAC
• LAMEA