Home Engineered Products & Infrastructure Ball Bearing Market Size, Demand & Forecast by 2033

Ball Bearing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Deep-Groove, Angular Contact, Thrust, Self-Aligning, Others), By Application (Automotive, Industrial Machinery, Mining & Construction, Medical, Others (Aerospace, etc.)), By Material (Steel, Ceramic, Plastic, Glass), By End-Use (Process Industries, Transportation, By Distribution Channel, E.M, Retail Distribution) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Report Code: SREI322DR
Last Updated : Dec 16, 2024
Author : Straits Research
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Ball Bearing Market Size

The global ball bearing market size was valued at USD 8.45 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 9.07 billion in 2025 to reach USD 15.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.34% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

A ball bearing mitigates rotational friction by carrying the load and ensuring smooth operation. A rolling bearing uses balls to retain the separation between bearing races. It consists of bearing rings (an inner and outer ring), a rolling element retainer, and a rolling element. A ball bearing’s function is to connect two machine members moving relative to one another so that the frictional resistance to motion is minimal.

The global market is growing rapidly due to several key factors. As industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing demand higher efficiency, durability, and precision in their equipment, the need for advanced ball bearings increases. Technological advancements in manufacturing processes have led to the production of more reliable and high-performance bearings, while the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving demand for specialized ball bearings for motors.

Latest Trends

Increasing demand for specialized ball bearings across manufacturing industries

The increasing demand for specialized ball bearings across manufacturing industries is driven by the need for precision, durability, and efficiency in diverse applications. The aerospace industry relies on high-temperature-resistant bearings to withstand extreme conditions in jet engines, ensuring safety and performance. Similarly, the automotive sector demands hybrid ceramic ball bearings for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce friction and enhance energy efficiency.

Moreover, in industrial robotics, compact and high-precision bearings enable smoother operation and accuracy in automated systems. Therefore, companies like SKF and NTN Corporation are innovating customized solutions, such as corrosion-resistant bearings, for the food and beverage sector. This trend highlights how tailored ball bearings address unique operational challenges, enhancing productivity and reliability across industries.


Ball Bearing Market Growth Factors

Proliferation of electric motors

The proliferation of electric motors is a key driver in the ball-bearing market, as these motors require high-performance bearings to ensure smooth operation and efficiency. Electric vehicles rely on ball bearings in motors, powertrains, and other critical components to minimize friction and enhance energy efficiency.

Therefore, companies are responding to this demand by developing specialized bearings that are lightweight and durable, specifically designed for electric motors.

For example,

  • In September 2023, NBC Bearings developed specialized low-noise bearings for electric vehicles (EVs) to meet the industry's demands for reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. These bearings are being supplied to major Indian EV OEMs, including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Altigreen, and Ather Energy.

As the market for EVs grows, particularly with manufacturers like Tesla and General Motors increasing production, the need for advanced ball bearings continues to rise.

Restraining Factors

Volatility in prices of steel and aluminum

Volatility in the prices of steel and aluminum is a significant restraint for the ball-bearing market, as these metals are key raw materials in their production. Fluctuating prices can lead to unpredictable manufacturing costs, affecting the profitability of ball-bearing producers.

  • For instance, in 2020, the global steel market experienced sharp price hikes due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, which directly impacted companies like SKF and Timken that rely on steel for their bearings.

The increase in raw material costs can either lead to higher prices for end consumers or reduced margins for manufacturers. Likewise, the volatility may discourage investment in new production facilities, further limiting the growth potential in an already competitive market.

Market Opportunities

Integration of IoT-enabled sensors in bearings

The integration of IoT-enabled sensors in bearings presents a significant market opportunity, offering enhanced functionality such as real-time performance monitoring and predictive maintenance. These smart bearings provide data on temperature, vibration, and load, helping industries identify potential failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

  • For example, SKF developed SKF Insight, a system that integrates sensors into their bearings, allowing for continuous monitoring of industrial machinery. This technology is being widely adopted in industries such as manufacturing and energy, where minimizing equipment failure is crucial.

The growing demand for smart manufacturing solutions is driving this trend, creating a substantial growth opportunity.

Study Period 2021-2033 CAGR 7.34%
Historical Period 2021-2023 Forecast Period 2025-2033
Base Year 2024 Base Year Market Size USD 8.45 Billion
Forecast Year 2033 Forecast Year Market Size USD 15.89 Billion
Largest Market North America Fastest Growing Market Europe
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Regional Insights

North America: Dominant region

North America remains a dominant region in the global ball bearing market, driven by advanced manufacturing technologies, robust automotive and aerospace industries, and significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) production. For example, the United States is home to major automakers like General Motors and Ford, which require high-performance ball bearings for their EV models.

Moreover, aerospace companies such as Boeing rely heavily on precision bearings for aircraft components, further solidifying the region’s leadership. North America's demand for automation and robotics also contributes to its strong market position.

Europe: Significantly growing region

Europe is experiencing significant growth in the global market, particularly driven by the automotive sector’s shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). Companies like Volkswagen and BMW are increasingly integrating advanced bearings into their EVs. Moreover, the region's strong focus on sustainability and energy-efficient technologies is boosting demand for high-performance bearings in renewable energy applications, such as wind turbines.

Country Analysis

  • United States: The United States is a major player in the global market, driven by its robust automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Companies like General Motors and Boeing rely heavily on high-performance bearings. The U.S. also leads in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with over 1.3 million EVs sold in 2023, further boosting demand for specialized bearings in EV powertrains.
  • China: China is the largest producer and consumer of ball bearings globally, fueled by its rapid industrialization, automotive manufacturing, and growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. As the world’s largest car manufacturer, China saw over 26 million vehicles produced in 2023, driving significant demand for ball bearings. Moreover, the push for green energy solutions boosts the adoption of bearings in renewable energy projects like wind turbines.
  • Germany: Germany’s strong automotive and industrial machinery sectors make it a key market for ball bearings. As a leader in the EU automotive industry, companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz require high-performance bearings for precision engineering. The rise in electric vehicle production and industrial automation further boosts demand, with Germany seeing an annual growth of 20% in EVs in 2023.
  • Japan: Japan is a significant market for ball bearings, driven by its advanced manufacturing and automotive industries. Toyota and Honda rely on precision bearings for their high-efficiency vehicles. Japan’s strong focus on robotics and automation, with over 300,000 industrial robots in use, also fuels demand for specialized bearings in production lines, making the country a vital hub for the market.
  • India: India’s rapidly growing manufacturing and automotive sectors are propelling the demand. The country is witnessing increased vehicle production, surpassing 4 million units in 2023, which boosts bearing requirements. Moreover, the rise of renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, drives demand for high-quality bearings in India’s burgeoning clean energy sector, creating growth opportunities.
  • South Korea: South Korea, home to automotive giants like Hyundai and Kia, heavily influences the ball bearing market. With South Korea producing over 4 million vehicles annually, high-quality bearings are crucial for performance and efficiency. Moreover, South Korea’s leadership in electronics, including the development of EVs, increases the demand for specialized bearings in motors and energy-efficient systems.
  • Brazil: Brazil, as the largest automotive market in South America, generates significant demand for ball bearings. With 2.2 million vehicles produced in 2023, including a growing number of electric vehicles, the country presents a major opportunity for bearing suppliers. Brazil's push for renewable energy, particularly wind energy, also increases demand for bearings in turbine production and maintenance.
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Ball Bearing Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Deep-groove ball bearings dominate the global market due to their versatility and wide range of applications. They are widely used in automotive and industrial machinery because of their ability to handle both radial and axial loads. Their simple design and ability to function at high speeds make them a preferred choice for many industries, providing reliable performance and durability.

By Application

The automotive industry leads in ball bearing consumption, driven by the increasing demand for advanced vehicles. Bearings play a crucial role in reducing friction in engines, wheels, and drivetrains, enhancing efficiency and fuel economy. As the automotive sector continues to evolve, especially with the rise of electric vehicles, the demand for high-performance, energy-efficient bearings remains strong, reinforcing their dominant market position.

By Material

Steel is the dominant material for ball bearings due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Steel bearings are widely used in automotive, industrial machinery, and other heavy-duty applications where high load capacity and long service life are essential. Steel bearings are highly favored for their performance in extreme conditions, making them indispensable in many industrial sectors, and driving the material's market dominance.

By End-Use

In process industries, the demand for ball bearings is driven by the need for equipment reliability and operational efficiency. Bearings are essential in high-speed rotating equipment, such as compressors, pumps, and turbines. Their ability to reduce friction and wear extends the life of machinery, making them indispensable in sectors like chemicals, food processing, and power generation, ensuring their strong position in the end-use market.

By Distribution Channel

The OEM segment leads the global market due to its direct involvement in the manufacturing of machinery and vehicles. OEMs require high-quality bearings for large-scale production, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the final products. The growing demand for precision and performance in machinery components drives the continuous need for ball bearings in OEM applications, making it a dominant distribution channel.

Market Size By Type

Market Size By Type
Deep-Groove Angular Contact Thrust Self-Aligning Others

Company Market Share

The global market is highly competitive, with several key players holding significant market share. Market share distribution is influenced by factors such as technological advancements, product quality, and geographic reach. Companies focusing on innovation, such as the integration of IoT sensors for predictive maintenance, are capturing larger shares of the market. 

While dominant players maintain a substantial portion of the market, smaller, specialized manufacturers focusing on niche segments, like hybrid and ceramic bearings, are also experiencing growth.

MinebeaMitsumi (Japan): Emerging Market Players in the Global Ball Bearing Market

MinebeaMitsumi (Japan) is an emerging player in the global market, gaining significant traction due to its focus on high-precision miniature bearings and advanced technological solutions. Known for its innovation, MinebeaMitsumi is making notable strides in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where its bearings are increasingly used in electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, and consumer electronics.


List of key players in Ball Bearing Market

  1. SKF (Sweden)
  2. Schaeffler AG (Germany)
  3. THE TIMKEN COMPANY (U.S.)
  4. NSK Ltd (Japan)
  5. NTN Corporation (Japan)
  6. JTEKT Corporation (Japan)
  7. NRB Bearing Limited (India)
  8. MinebeaMitsmi Inc. (Japan)
  9. Luoyang LYC Bearing Co. Ltd. (China)
  10. C&U Americas (U.S.)
  11. Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp (Japan)
  12. Others
Ball Bearing Market Share of Key Players

Recent Developments

  • October 2024 -SKF launched its next-generation ball and tapered roller wheel bearings, designed to enhance the performance and longevity of automotive applications. These bearings are engineered to reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the service life of vehicles. The new generation bearings are particularly suitable for EVs and hybrid vehicles, where energy efficiency and durability are crucial.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global market is experiencing significant growth driven by technological advancements, increasing demand from the automotive sector, and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). The integration of IoT-enabled sensors in bearings, allowing for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, is creating new opportunities for manufacturers to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.

Moreover, the shift toward renewable energy projects, particularly in wind energy, is driving demand for specialized bearings. However, the market faces challenges, such as the volatility in steel and aluminum prices, which could impact production costs.

Despite these challenges, regions like North America and China are expected to remain dominant due to their robust automotive industries and high manufacturing output, contributing to continued market expansion.


Ball Bearing Market Segmentations

By Type (2021-2033)

  • Deep-Groove
  • Angular Contact
  • Thrust
  • Self-Aligning
  • Others

By Application (2021-2033)

  • Automotive
  • Industrial Machinery
  • Mining & Construction
  • Medical
  • Others (Aerospace, etc.)

By Material (2021-2033)

  • Steel
  • Ceramic
  • Plastic
  • Glass

By End-Use (2021-2033)

  • Process Industries
  • Transportation
  • By Distribution Channel
  • E.M
  • Retail Distribution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the future market size of the Ball Bearing Market?
The global ball bearing market size is estimated to grow from USD 9.07 billion in 2025 to reach USD 15.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.34% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
Proliferation of electric motors is a major growth factor driving the global market.
North America remains a dominant region in the global market, driven by advanced manufacturing technologies, robust automotive and aerospace industries, and significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) production.
SKF (Sweden), Schaeffler AG (Germany), THE TIMKEN COMPANY (U.S.), NSK Ltd (Japan), NTN Corporation (Japan), JTEKT Corporation (Japan), NRB Bearing Limited (India), MinebeaMitsmi Inc. (Japan), Luoyang LYC Bearing Co. Ltd. (China), C&U Americas (U.S.), Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp (Japan) and Others are the industry players in the global market.
Deep-groove ball bearings dominate the global market due to their versatility and wide range of applications. They are widely used in automotive and industrial machinery because of their ability to handle both radial and axial loads.


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