The global market for Plain Bearings was estimated at US$13.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$18.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Plain Bearings market.
Product innovations and technological advancements are setting a perfect landscape for lucrative opportunities for the global plain bearings market. Advances like effective seal and lubrication technologies along with introduction of products with high stability, reduced energy usage, low friction and lightweight nature are buoying the demand for plain bearings. The introduction of sophisticated spherical rollers is leading to performance gains and reducing maintenance costs. In addition, self-lubricating options are eliminating the requirement of external lubrication while composite plain bearings and maintenance-free spherical plain bearings are gaining popularity. Market growth is also favored by increasing uptake of ceramic ball components owing to their enhanced strength and high adoption of smart bearings or plain bearings featuring compressed air cushioning. Bearing applications are set to benefit from innovations leading to availability of plain bearings marked by high speeds, reduced wear and superior durability. Innovations in material science have led to the development of advanced composite materials that enhance the performance and longevity of plain bearings.
The growth in the plain bearings market is driven by several factors, including strong focus on efficient heavy-loading systems, rapid industrialization across developing nations, increasing automobile production, shift towards wind energy, and technological advancements. Rising uptake of plain bearings in numerous industries remains a primary driver for the global market, propelling the demand from applications like elevators, production lines and conveyor belts. The high performance and durability makes plain bearings an appealing option for diverse industry verticals such as automotive, aerospace, oilfield machinery, construction, energy, and agricultural/ gardening machinery. Rising vehicle production on account of increasing demand for traditional automobiles and EVs coupled with favorable regulations and zero-emission initiatives are powering plain bearing demand. The market is slated to move ahead and gain momentum with availability of sophisticated seal and lubrication technologies intended to reduce friction and drive energy efficiency. Product innovations and technological advancements are opening new growth opportunities by leading to smart bearings with enhanced performance and reduced maintenance costs. The rise of Industry 4.0 along with increasing adoption of emerging technologies are augmenting the demand for plain bearings with capability to collect process data to support monitoring and predictive maintenance applications. These factors collectively ensure the steady expansion of the plain bearings market, addressing the evolving needs of industries for reliable and cost-effective bearing solutions.
Global Plain Bearings Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Plain bearings, also known as bushings or sleeve bearings, play a pivotal role in the mechanical industry by supporting loads and facilitating the sliding or rotational motion between two machine components. These bearings, primarily characterized by their lack of rolling elements, stand out for their simplicity, reliability, and long service life, especially in high-load industrial applications. Simplest of all bearings, plain bearings are used in applications with continuous motion and light loads, such as crankshafts. Mostly finding applications in rectification of component misalignments, plain bearings are made up of cylindrical inserts. Raw materials used in the manufacture of plain bearings include white metal, cast iron, special plastics, and phosphor-bronze. Plain bearings are classified as spherical bushings, pilloballs, polymer plain bearings, and spherical plain bearings.Product innovations and technological advancements are setting a perfect landscape for lucrative opportunities for the global plain bearings market. Advances like effective seal and lubrication technologies along with introduction of products with high stability, reduced energy usage, low friction and lightweight nature are buoying the demand for plain bearings. The introduction of sophisticated spherical rollers is leading to performance gains and reducing maintenance costs. In addition, self-lubricating options are eliminating the requirement of external lubrication while composite plain bearings and maintenance-free spherical plain bearings are gaining popularity. Market growth is also favored by increasing uptake of ceramic ball components owing to their enhanced strength and high adoption of smart bearings or plain bearings featuring compressed air cushioning. Bearing applications are set to benefit from innovations leading to availability of plain bearings marked by high speeds, reduced wear and superior durability. Innovations in material science have led to the development of advanced composite materials that enhance the performance and longevity of plain bearings.
The growth in the plain bearings market is driven by several factors, including strong focus on efficient heavy-loading systems, rapid industrialization across developing nations, increasing automobile production, shift towards wind energy, and technological advancements. Rising uptake of plain bearings in numerous industries remains a primary driver for the global market, propelling the demand from applications like elevators, production lines and conveyor belts. The high performance and durability makes plain bearings an appealing option for diverse industry verticals such as automotive, aerospace, oilfield machinery, construction, energy, and agricultural/ gardening machinery. Rising vehicle production on account of increasing demand for traditional automobiles and EVs coupled with favorable regulations and zero-emission initiatives are powering plain bearing demand. The market is slated to move ahead and gain momentum with availability of sophisticated seal and lubrication technologies intended to reduce friction and drive energy efficiency. Product innovations and technological advancements are opening new growth opportunities by leading to smart bearings with enhanced performance and reduced maintenance costs. The rise of Industry 4.0 along with increasing adoption of emerging technologies are augmenting the demand for plain bearings with capability to collect process data to support monitoring and predictive maintenance applications. These factors collectively ensure the steady expansion of the plain bearings market, addressing the evolving needs of industries for reliable and cost-effective bearing solutions.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Plain Bearings market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:- Segments: Type (Journal, Linear, Thrust, Other Types); End-Use (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace, Energy, Construction Machinery, Oilfield Machinery, Other End-Uses)
- Geographic Regions/Countries: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Africa.
Key Insights:
- Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Journal Plain Bearings segment, which is expected to reach US$8.4 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.3%. The Linear Plain Bearings segment is also set to grow at 5.3% CAGR over the analysis period.
- Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.6 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.0% CAGR to reach $5.5 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.
Why You Should Buy This Report:
- Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Plain Bearings Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
- Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
- Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Plain Bearings Market.
- Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.
Key Questions Answered:
- How is the Global Plain Bearings Market expected to evolve by 2030?
- What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
- Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
- How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
- Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?
Report Features:
- Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
- In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Accurate Bushing Co Inc., AB SKF, Alloy Bearings, Austin Engineering Company Limited, GGB, a Timken Company and more.
- Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.
Some of the 123 companies featured in this Plain Bearings market report include:
- Accurate Bushing Co Inc.
- AB SKF
- Alloy Bearings
- Austin Engineering Company Limited
- GGB, a Timken Company
- GGT Gleitlager AG
- igus
- Kashima Bearings, Inc.
- Kingsbury, Inc.
- MinebeaMitsumi, Inc.
- NSK Ltd.
- NTN Corporation
- PBC Linear
- RBC Bearings Incorporated
- Schaeffler Group
- The Timken Company
- THK Co., Ltd.
- Thomson Industries, Inc.
This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:
- Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
- Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
- Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
- Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
- Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
- Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
- Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.
Table of Contents
I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
III. MARKET ANALYSIS
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Accurate Bushing Co Inc.
- AB SKF
- Alloy Bearings
- Austin Engineering Company Limited
- GGB, a Timken Company
- GGT Gleitlager AG
- igus
- Kashima Bearings, Inc.
- Kingsbury, Inc.
- MinebeaMitsumi, Inc.
- NSK Ltd.
- NTN Corporation
- PBC Linear
- RBC Bearings Incorporated
- Schaeffler Group
- The Timken Company
- THK Co., Ltd.
- Thomson Industries, Inc.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 546 |
| Published | June 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 13.3 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 18.4 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 5.5% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
