Brake Friction Products Market Outlook, 2030

Historically the market followed automotive growth as vehicle ownership and highway networks expanded through the 20th century, demand for reliable and durable braking materials surged. The post war boom, the rise of mass produced automobiles and later rapid urbanization in Asia Pacific shifted production and consumption patterns toward higher volumes and lower cost solutions while simultaneously creating demand for higher performance friction materials in premium and motorsport segments.

In recent decades electrification, regenerative braking, stricter emissions and noise regulations and the push for lighter vehicles have altered requirements by reducing particulates and thermal fade while emphasizing low noise, low wear and compatibility with electronic systems such as ABS and ESC. Branding is less consumer facing in original equipment but prominent in the aftermarket where warranties, point of sale materials and digital reviews influence buyer choice.

Policy and regulatory frameworks significantly shape the industry including material restrictions such as phased reductions or bans on asbestos decades ago, particulate and brake wear emissions regulation, end of life and waste handling rules and safety certification standards which require rigorous laboratory testing and homologation processes. OEMs and aftermarket brands must comply with international and regional standards such as vehicle safety regulations, REACH and chemical registration in Europe and local environmental rules, and many jurisdictions are tightening limits on non-exhaust emissions which is prompting investment in low wear formulations and filtration.

Certification and testing regimes ranging from SAE and ISO test procedures to specific OEM homologation protocols are essential as failure to secure approvals prevents market access. Furthermore, strategic movements by the leading industry players such as expanding portfolio, product innovation, acquisition & mergers, product launch or up-gradation, etc., also act as a catalyzing factor for the industry development. For instance, Nisshinbo Holdings was owned by the TMD Friction in March 2021. The objective behind the acquisition is to upgrade the product segment by launching brake linings for new vehicle models.

According to the research report “Global Brake Friction Products Market Outlook, 2030”, the Global Brake Friction Products market is projected to reach market size of USD 16.14 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 12.09 Billion in 2024, growing with 5.04% CAGR by 2025-30. The expansion of the global vehicle parc as rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization and growing logistics networks increase the number of passenger and commercial vehicles on the road, directly boosting demand for both original equipment and aftermarket brake friction products.

The replacement cycle of these components further supports market growth since brake pads, shoes and linings wear out relatively quickly compared to other automotive parts, creating consistent aftermarket demand regardless of new vehicle sales trends. Technological advancement is another major driver as the industry is witnessing a transition toward low copper, low dust and noise free formulations that meet stringent safety and environmental standards, which encourages investment in innovative materials such as advanced ceramics, carbon composites and hybrid blends. In September 2024, ZF introduced its OnGuardMAX ADAS and mBSP XBS modular brake system that will be marketed to the European commercial-vehicle market.

It will enhance safety, increase automation levels, and meet compliance, which is a huge benefit for electrified and autonomous, commercial platforms. The increase in vehicle parc has fueled the brake friction market globally. Rising vehicle usage will correspondingly drive the demand for brake friction products due to the need for periodic replacements. For instance, a standard brake pad must be changed after 32,000-35,000 miles of vehicle use.

The growing e commerce channel for automotive parts is also transforming sales dynamics as consumers increasingly purchase replacement parts online with detailed performance reviews influencing buying decisions. Furthermore, motorsport and defense applications, although niche, represent high margin segments where innovation and performance matter more than cost, allowing manufacturers to showcase advanced technologies that may later cascade into mainstream automotive use.

Market Drivers

• Rising vehicle production and safety regulations: One of the strongest drivers for the global brake friction products market is the steady increase in global vehicle production coupled with stricter safety standards. As both passenger and commercial vehicles continue to grow in demand, especially in developing regions, the requirement for reliable braking systems also expands. Governments worldwide are enforcing tougher safety norms, ensuring that vehicles are equipped with advanced braking components capable of meeting strict performance benchmarks.
• Increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles: The rapid rise of electric and hybrid vehicles is another major growth driver shaping the brake friction products market. Although these vehicles rely heavily on regenerative braking, they still require advanced friction materials to manage high vehicle weights and unique braking conditions. The thermal and wear characteristics of EVs differ from those of traditional vehicles, which has created opportunities for manufacturers to innovate specialized friction products. As global consumers and governments push for cleaner mobility, the demand for customized brake friction materials designed for electric mobility is expected to surge.

Market Challenges

• Raw material price volatility: A significant challenge for the industry is the unpredictable cost and supply of raw materials. Brake friction products require metals, resins, ceramics, and other specialty compounds that are vulnerable to price fluctuations due to supply chain disruptions, mining limitations, and global trade uncertainties. Manufacturers often face shrinking profit margins when costs rise unexpectedly, while passing on the price to consumers risks reducing competitiveness. This volatility makes long-term planning difficult and forces producers to develop strategies to manage inventory, sourcing, and pricing stability.
• Environmental and health concerns from brake dust: Growing environmental awareness has put brake dust emissions under scrutiny. Unlike exhaust emissions, non-exhaust sources such as brake wear contribute to fine particulate matter, which can impact air quality and health. This has led regulators and environmental agencies to consider new restrictions on harmful materials such as copper and to push for eco-friendly alternatives. Manufacturers face the challenge of reformulating brake products to meet sustainability goals without compromising braking performance, durability, or cost efficiency.

Market Trends

• Shift toward copper-free and eco-friendly materials: A clear trend in the brake friction products market is the development of copper-free, low-dust, and environmentally friendly friction materials. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in ceramic, organic, and hybrid materials that not only meet new regulations but also enhance customer satisfaction by reducing noise, dust, and maintenance needs. This trend reflects both regulatory compliance and market differentiation, as eco-friendly products become an important selling point for automakers and aftermarket players.
• Integration with advanced braking systems: Another key trend is the integration of friction materials into advanced vehicle systems such as brake-by-wire, regenerative braking, and electronic stability control. Rather than being standalone products, brake friction components are now designed in close collaboration with system-level technologies. This shift requires suppliers to provide more engineering support, testing, and customization to align with automaker requirements. The industry is moving toward smarter, system-oriented solutions, with friction materials tailored to enhance performance, durability, and compatibility with next-generation braking systems.Brake discs lead the global brake friction products industry because of their superior performance, durability, and widespread adoption in modern passenger and commercial vehicles.

Unlike drum brakes, which were widely used in the past, disc brakes offer enhanced stopping power, better heat dissipation, and reduced risk of brake fade, making them ideal for today’s high-speed vehicles and heavier automotive platforms. The rise in passenger vehicles, particularly in urban and highway transportation, has fueled the demand for brake discs, as they provide more reliable and consistent braking performance under varied conditions. Brake discs are also preferred because of their longer service life and lower maintenance requirements, which appeal to both vehicle manufacturers and end-users.

The automotive industry’s shift toward lightweight materials and advanced braking technologies, such as carbon ceramic discs and ventilated disc systems, has further enhanced their dominance by combining performance with fuel efficiency. Increasing safety regulations worldwide, which mandate improved braking systems to reduce road accidents, have also accelerated the adoption of disc brakes over traditional systems. Moreover, the rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles has contributed to the growth of brake discs, since these vehicles demand highly efficient braking systems that can integrate with regenerative braking technologies.

Another factor supporting their leading position is the growing popularity of SUVs and luxury cars, which require more powerful braking systems to handle higher torque and vehicle weight. Additionally, growing awareness among consumers about road safety and vehicle performance has pushed manufacturers to prioritize disc brakes in most vehicle models.

The OEM distribution channel leads the global brake friction products industry because vehicle manufacturers prioritize factory-fitted, high-quality, and certified braking components to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with regulations.

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) distribution channel dominates the global brake friction products industry primarily because it ensures that vehicles are equipped with factory-fitted, high-quality braking systems that meet strict safety, durability, and regulatory standards. Automotive manufacturers rely heavily on OEM suppliers to provide brake discs, pads, shoes, linings, and other components that are specifically designed and tested for each vehicle model. This integration guarantees optimal compatibility and performance, which is crucial in a system as safety-critical as braking.

OEM products are developed in close collaboration with automakers, ensuring advanced engineering, precise fit, and compliance with international safety regulations. As global demand for passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles rises, OEM-supplied brake friction products continue to see strong growth because every new vehicle produced requires these parts at the assembly stage.

Consumers also trust OEM products more due to their guaranteed quality, certified materials, and proven reliability, which adds to their leading position. Another significant factor is that governments across major markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific have tightened safety norms, pushing automakers to use high-performance OEM braking systems.

The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, including the integration of advanced safety technologies like ABS, ESC, and regenerative braking in electric and hybrid vehicles, also favors OEM channels, as aftermarket alternatives often cannot match the required technical precision. Furthermore, OEM brake friction products are often bundled into long-term supply contracts between manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring steady demand and revenue flow within this channel.

Metallic discs lead the global brake friction products industry because they provide superior strength, heat resistance, and durability, making them the preferred choice for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Metallic discs dominate the global brake friction products industry due to their exceptional performance characteristics, durability, and ability to handle demanding driving conditions. Made primarily from cast iron or steel composites, metallic brake discs are highly effective at withstanding extreme heat generated during braking, ensuring consistent stopping power and minimizing the risk of brake fade. This heat resistance is particularly important for modern vehicles, which are heavier, faster, and often driven in stop-and-go urban traffic where brakes are frequently engaged.

Metallic discs also deliver longer service life compared to other materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and making them cost-effective in the long run. Their strength and resilience make them particularly suitable for commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, and heavy-duty machinery, where braking systems must manage higher loads and prolonged usage without compromising safety. Passenger cars, SUVs, and performance vehicles also benefit from metallic discs, as they offer stable braking efficiency at high speeds and during sudden stops, enhancing driver confidence and road safety.

Furthermore, metallic discs are widely available and relatively affordable compared to advanced alternatives like carbon-ceramic discs, which remain limited to high-end sports and luxury cars due to their higher cost. Their compatibility with both OEM and aftermarket channels strengthens their market position, as they serve as the default material choice for most global automakers during vehicle production, while also being in strong demand in the replacement market.

Regulatory bodies across regions emphasize vehicle safety, and metallic discs meet or exceed these standards, ensuring widespread acceptance and adoption. The electrification of vehicles also supports their use, as electric and hybrid models still require robust braking systems to complement regenerative braking, with metallic discs providing reliable performance in such setups.

Passenger cars lead the global brake friction products industry because of their massive production volume, widespread ownership, and continuous demand for reliable braking systems to ensure everyday safety and performance.

Unlike commercial vehicles, which are produced in smaller volumes, passenger cars represent the largest segment of the automotive industry, with millions of units manufactured and sold annually across developed and emerging economies. Each of these vehicles requires a complete set of brake friction components such as discs, pads, linings, and shoes, creating consistent and large-scale demand. As urbanization and rising incomes drive vehicle ownership in regions like Asia Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa, the passenger car segment continues to expand, reinforcing its dominance in brake friction product consumption.

Additionally, passenger cars are used in diverse driving environments, including urban traffic, highways, and rural roads, where frequent braking and sudden stops are common, leading to higher wear and tear of friction components and consequently greater replacement demand in the aftermarket segment. The increasing consumer preference for SUVs, crossovers, and premium cars further strengthens this trend, as these vehicles are heavier and require more advanced braking systems with enhanced stopping power.

Regulatory requirements mandating improved safety features, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), have also boosted the use of high-performance brake friction products in passenger cars. Moreover, the growth of electric and hybrid passenger vehicles has further contributed to demand, as these vehicles need efficient, durable, and low-noise braking systems that can integrate with regenerative braking technologies. OEMs prioritize high-quality braking solutions in passenger cars to meet consumer expectations for safety and comfort, while the aftermarket continues to thrive as regular replacement of brake pads and discs remains a necessity for everyday drivers.

The automotive end-user type leads the global brake friction products industry because the automotive sector accounts for the highest vehicle production and replacement demand, making it the largest consumer of braking components worldwide.

The automotive end-user segment dominates the global brake friction products industry because it represents the largest base of vehicle production, ownership, and usage, creating sustained and large-scale demand for braking systems across passenger and commercial vehicles. Every automobile, regardless of size or type, requires reliable brake friction products such as discs, pads, linings, and shoes to ensure safety and performance, making the automotive sector the primary consumer of these components. With global vehicle production continuously rising, particularly in high-growth regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America, the automotive industry drives consistent demand for OEM-supplied braking systems during manufacturing.

Moreover, the automotive aftermarket adds a significant layer of demand, as brake friction components are subject to regular wear and tear due to constant usage, requiring timely replacement to maintain vehicle safety and efficiency. Passenger cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles form the largest share of this demand, but heavy-duty trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles also contribute substantially, as they depend on high-performance braking systems to handle heavy loads and long operating hours.

Another key factor reinforcing the automotive sector’s dominance is the increasing focus on safety regulations, with governments and regulatory bodies across North America, Europe, and Asia mandating advanced braking systems like ABS, ESC, and ADAS, all of which require reliable friction components. Technological advancements within the automotive sector, such as ventilated discs, ceramic pads, and integration with regenerative braking in electric and hybrid vehicles, further ensure that brake friction products remain an essential and evolving part of vehicle design.

The global shift toward electrification also supports this trend, as EVs still rely on robust braking systems to complement regenerative braking and ensure safety during high-torque performance.Asia Pacific (APAC) leads the global brake friction products industry because of its massive automotive production base, rapid urbanization, and rising vehicle ownership across emerging economies.

The Asia Pacific region dominates the global brake friction products industry primarily due to its unparalleled automotive manufacturing capacity, expanding consumer base, and increasing demand for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea serve as key automotive hubs, with China alone accounting for the largest share of global vehicle production. This immense output directly fuels demand for OEM brake friction products, as every new vehicle manufactured requires components like discs, pads, linings, and shoes.

In addition to production, the region is experiencing rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes, which have accelerated vehicle ownership, particularly in emerging economies such as India and Southeast Asian countries. The growing middle class and increasing preference for personal mobility solutions, especially passenger cars and two-wheelers, contribute significantly to the consumption of brake friction products. Furthermore, the region has become a hotspot for commercial vehicle usage, driven by expanding logistics, construction, and infrastructure development, all of which rely on heavy-duty braking systems.

The replacement market in APAC is also thriving, as frequent use of vehicles in congested urban traffic, diverse terrains, and varying road conditions leads to faster wear of brake friction components, creating strong aftermarket demand. Government regulations across the region are also becoming stricter, mandating advanced safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), which require reliable and high-performance friction materials. Technological advancements, such as the development of ceramic and metallic discs and noise-reducing pads, are also being rapidly adopted in the region to meet consumer expectations for safety and comfort.

• In July 2025, Brembo announced a 14.4 % decline in EBITDA for the first half of €300.9 million and a 37.4 % decline in net profit to €97.9 million. Revenue was down 6.2 % versus the year ago period to €1.88 billion. CEO Tiraboschi stated an absence of stability in the automotive sector in Europe and North America, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and geopolitical volatility were impacting performance.
• In April 2025, Brembo presented its GREENTELL set at Auto Shanghai 2025, a new disc and pad combination that focuses on performance, durability, corrosion resistance, and emission reduction. It can be used on a vast array of vehicles, including NEVs, internal combustion vehicles, luxury vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. Brembo is committed to providing versatile and environmentally friendly braking technologies.
• In April 2025, Tenneco launched innovative friction formulations and brake disc coatings that significantly reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from braking systems. It utilizes renewable and recycled materials, cutting manufacturing-related CO2 emissions by 15-35%.
• In April 2025, Nisshinbo, under its TMD Friction subsidiary, introduced the new “Strong Ceramic (SC) friction material, specifically developed for light commercial vehicles and heavy SUVs. This advanced formulation offers improved wear characteristics and superior endurance, addressing high-load and high-mileage requirements for business fleets.
• In January 2025, Brembo entered a multi-year partnership with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), becoming the official Braking Technology Partner. This collaboration strengthened Brembo’s position in North American motorsports and underscores its commitment to innovation, performance, and safety in automotive technology.
• In September 2024, ZF introduced the upgraded version of its OnGuardMAX advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and the mBSP XBS modular brake platform for the European commercial vehicle (CV) market. These technologies were designed to enhance safety, automation, and regulatory compliance in the CV sector.
• In October 2024, Italian brake manufacturer Brembo announced its latest and largest acquisition of Swedish suspension products specialist Öhlins Racing for US $405 million. The acquisition is to be funded from available cash and follows Brembo's sale of its Pirelli stake. The completion of the deal is expected in early 2025. The acquisition continues Brembo's development of integrated intelligent mobility solutions pairing their high-end braking solutions with advanced suspension products.