Ball Bearing Market

Evolution of digitalization and smart technologies embedded in bearings is driving market growth

Market CAGR for ball bearing is driven by the digitalization of the essential approaches to embrace wireless options across industry verticals. The bearing is digitized by calculating its lubrication state and vibration pattern. These measures are analyzed to take remedial actions in case of potential issues. The integration of sensors with bearings developed into smart bearings. For industrial applications, the sensor calculates these bearings' direction, speed, temperature, and vibration. Also, the introduction of real-time-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping the end-users to follow the conditions of their bearings at all times.

Moreover, the technological evolution towards EVs is found to be positive. It is due to electric vehicles having bearings with more developed technology than the traditional car with an Internal Combustion (IC) engine.

Additionally, the increasing use of ceramic balls in applications requiring high-grade electrical insulation remains the main driver for Ball Bearing Market development. The change in emphasis on decreased reliance on transport using petrol or other fossil fuels has been seen in developing nations. This, combined with a rise in social consciousness, has contributed to a rise in the electric vehicle industry, which has an impact on the demand for ceramic ball bearings. Other factors driving the industry growth include growing investment in rail and aerospace, rising wind power output, and the need for lightweight bearings in the automotive sector.

All these factors are positively impacting the growth of the industry.

Extending construction activities in the residential and commercial sectors due to the rising global population and inflating income levels catalyze the demand for ball bearings in construction equipment. Apart from this, the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) due to rising environmental concerns drives ball bearings sales globally. Additionally, the development of windmill farms is escalating the demand for ball bearings as they assist in improving efficiency, wind turbines' reliability, and performance.

Furthermore, leading manufacturers are concentrating on elevating the functional capacity of ball bearings at lower prices. They are also improving the features of the current bearings, such as lowering torque, decreasing weight, reducing energy consumption, improving temperature range, supporting the lifecycle, and refining friction resistance, propelling the market growth. Apart from this, the increasing awareness regarding the benefits of ball bearings, including low maintenance requirement, high frictional resistance, rigidity, and longer life span, is anticipated to expand their application in various end-use industries, including aerospace, transportation, and mining. Thus, driving the Roller bearing market revenue.

The expansion of industrial automation is a critical factor driving the Global Ball Bearing Market Industry. As industries increasingly adopt automated systems to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs, the demand for reliable ball bearings is expected to rise. These components are essential in robotic systems, conveyor belts, and other automated machinery, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. The trend towards automation is projected to continue, with industries investing in advanced technologies that require high-quality bearings, thereby contributing to the market's growth and stability.

The automotive sector is a primary driver of the Global Ball Bearing Market Industry, as it relies heavily on these components for vehicle performance and efficiency. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 20.8 USD Billion, largely due to the increasing production of electric vehicles and the need for high-performance bearings. The shift towards electric mobility necessitates advanced ball bearings that can withstand higher speeds and loads, thereby enhancing vehicle longevity and reliability. This trend is expected to continue, with the automotive industry likely contributing significantly to the market's growth trajectory.

The Global Ball Bearing Market Industry is experiencing a notable surge due to the expansion of renewable energy applications, particularly in wind and solar energy sectors. Wind turbines, which require specialized bearings to operate efficiently, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. The demand for high-quality ball bearings in these applications is expected to drive market growth, as they enhance the reliability and efficiency of energy generation. As countries invest in sustainable energy solutions, the market for ball bearings in this sector is anticipated to expand, contributing to the overall market value projected to reach 31.7 USD Billion by 2035.

Technological advancements in manufacturing processes are significantly impacting the Global Ball Bearing Market Industry. Innovations such as additive manufacturing and precision machining are enhancing the production of high-performance bearings, which are essential for various applications. These advancements allow for the creation of lighter, stronger, and more durable bearings, thereby meeting the evolving demands of industries such as aerospace and robotics. As manufacturers adopt these technologies, the market is likely to witness increased efficiency and reduced production costs, further stimulating growth in the coming years.

The increasing demand for high-performance bearings across various sectors is a significant driver of the Global Ball Bearing Market Industry. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing are seeking bearings that can withstand extreme conditions and provide enhanced performance. This trend is likely to be fueled by the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, as high-performance bearings contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower emissions. As a result, the market is expected to grow steadily, with a projected CAGR of 3.89% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the ongoing shift towards advanced bearing solutions.

By Region, the study delivers market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific ball bearing market area will dominate this market, owing to the increasing development of the construction, mining, and automotive industry. The public facility enhancement projects in rural areas are expected to drive the market in the region. The increasing demand for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, and two-wheelers, better than a third of the global population concentrated in India and China, supports the sale of automotive bearings.

Moreover, China ball bearing market held the largest market share, and the Indian ball bearing market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, South Korea, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, and Brazil.

Figure 2: Ball Bearing Market Share by Region 2022 (%)

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

Europe ball bearing market accounts for the second-largest market share due to its increasing industrialization and technical advancements. In addition, various innovations in the aerospace and automotive industries have increased the region's demand for ball bearing market. The increasing rate of passenger car production and commercial vehicles drives the ball bearing market in the region. Further, the German ball bearing market held the largest market share, and the UK ball bearing market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Ball Bearing Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to improving economic conditions and gradually establishing a manufacturing base in rising economies such as China, Indonesia, and India. Installation of several rotating pieces of equipment in the manufacturing units of various manufacturing industries is also foreseen to bolster the market. Moreover, China’s Ball Bearing market held the largest market share, and the Indian Ball Bearing market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the Rolling element bearings market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking several strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the ball bearing industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers’ use in the global ball bearing industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. Major players in the Radial bearings market, including Brammer PLC, Harbin Bearing Manufacturing Co., Ltd., JTEKT Corporation, HKT Bearings Ltd.,  NBI Bearings Europe, and others, are attempting to expand market demand by investing in research and development operations.

JTEKT Corp is an equipment company that manufactures and sells power steering systems. The company designs, develops, and markets automotive components, bearings, and machine tools. The company's product offerings include steering systems, bearings, chassis-related parts, unit products and precision machinery, gear skiving centers, and self-manufacturing control systems. It offers products and services in automotive, railway, aerospace, construction machinery, steel, aviation, agricultural machinery, and wind power generation sectors in Asia Pacific, South America, North America, Europe, and other regions. The company has to manufacture plants, sales offices, and other facilities worldwide.

In June 2021, JTEKT Corporation developed ball bearings with high muddy water-resistance seals for agricultural machinery. With such advancements, these machines can operate in harsh working environments too.

NTN Corp offers mechanical parts and equipment. It manufactures and sells mechanical parts and equipment, such as bearings, constant velocity joints, and precision equipment. The product portfolio of the company comprises general-purpose bearings, bearings for office automation, precision roller bearings for machine tools, aerospace bearings, bearing units, and related products. It also offers needle roller bearings, windscreen wipers, various auto tensioners, thrust washers, table units, spindle units, liquid crystal display repair units, optical disk mastering units, and correction units for electrode patterns. In addition, it offers after sales services. The company operates across Americas, Europe, and Asia.

NTN is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. In September 2020, NTN Corporation announced expanding production and delivery of deep groove ball bearings specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).