Manufacturing, infrastructure growth to drive India’s bearing market

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Manufacturing, infrastructure growth to drive India’s bearing market

Manufacturing, infrastructure growth to drive India’s bearing market

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Dec 02,25

Global bearing demand is accelerating on the back of Asia’s industrial expansion. India is set to record robust gains driven by manufacturing and infrastructure growth.

Manufacturing, infrastructure growth to drive India’s bearing market

The global bearings market is undergoing a phase of strong expansion, fuelled by rising industrial automation, rapid infrastructure creation, and the increasing sophistication of automotive and machinery systems. Valued at $ 120.98 billion in 2023, the market is forecast to reach $ 226.60 billion by 2030, recording a healthy CAGR of 9.5 per cent from 2024 to 2030, according to a Grand View Research report. Bearings remain essential across virtually every industrial application—automotive, construction machinery, aerospace, farm equipment, appliances, and increasingly, renewable energy systems—making them a critical barometer of global manufacturing momentum.

Market structure

Asia Pacific continues to be the largest bearing market, commanding a 40 per cent global revenue share in 2023. The region’s dominance is anchored by China, which accounted for 53.75 per cent of the Asia Pacific market, backed by high automotive production, extensive manufacturing capacity, and strong machinery output. Roller bearings held the largest product share at over 45 per cent in 2023, owing to their ability to support heavier radial loads and reduce rotational friction in automotive, capital equipment, aerospace, and home appliances. The automotive industry remained the biggest application segment, accounting for 49 per cent of global bearing consumption in 2023.

The industry landscape is highly fragmented, with multiple players offering specialised products for automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, mining, and renewable energy. This fragmentation has cultivated a competitive environment where innovation, materials engineering, and performance enhancements are critical differentiators. Manufacturers are investing heavily in redesigning raceways, improving cage materials, integrating sensor-based monitoring, and adopting lightweight materials to enhance efficiency and service life.

Post-pandemic recovery and emerging technologies

The pandemic disrupted bearing production and consumption patterns, especially in 2020, owing to shutdowns in major economies such as China, Japan, and European nations. Automotive production—the largest bearing-consuming industry—declined sharply due to labour shortages, supply-chain constraints, and restricted logistics. However, recovery was swift in late 2020 and early 2021, aided by the restart of manufacturing operations and the global vaccine rollout. Since then, rising investments in industrial machinery, mining equipment, and commercial vehicles have supported a robust rebound.

A significant shift is underway towards high-performance and smart bearings. Manufacturers are incorporating advanced sensor units to track key parameters such as rotation speed, axial movement, load-carrying capacity, acceleration, and deceleration. These condition-monitoring features are becoming increasingly important for predictive maintenance, especially in sectors where downtime costs are substantial. Although adoption is still nascent, several global suppliers have begun offering smart bearings capable of real-time data transmission and early-fault detection. Wider adoption is expected over the next five years as industrial automation and digitalisation deepen.

Technological advances in seal and lubrication systems, coupled with the integration of electro-mechanical components, are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance interventions. The growing use of high-capacity bearings in wind turbines is another trend boosting demand. In wind energy systems, bearings play a critical role in improving turbine reliability, reducing lubricant consumption, and supporting higher load capacities. As renewable energy expands—particularly in China, India, Europe, and the US—the demand for specialised wind-turbine bearings is expected to rise rapidly.

Asia Pacific is expected to remain the fastest-growing regional market, projected to cross $ 98.20 billion by 2030. Beyond China’s dominance, India and Japan remain strong contributors. The region benefits from rapid industrialisation, infrastructure programmes, and expanding transportation networks. Demand from the construction, mining, automotive, and renewable energy sectors continues to surge.

Regional dynamics: India leads the growth

India accounted for 9.39 per cent of the Asia Pacific bearings market in 2023 and is positioned for strong growth through 2030. Several factors underpin this trajectory:

Manufacturing expansion: India is scaling domestic production under ‘Make in India’, with incentives for automotive, aerospace, defence, and electronics manufacturing.
Infrastructure acceleration: Massive investments in highways, metro systems, airports, railways, and logistics networks are expanding demand for bearings in construction equipment, track systems, and rolling stock.
Automotive sector revival: As India consolidates its position as the world’s third-largest automotive market, OEM and aftermarket demand for bearings is rising across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farm equipment, and two-wheelers.
Renewable energy growth: Wind and solar projects are driving uptake of high-precision, high-capacity bearings tailored for harsh environments.
Industrial machinery and mining: India’s robust construction and mining equipment market—supported by minerals, cement, and steel production—is strengthening demand for heavy-duty bearings.

With India focusing on increasing its share of global supply chains, local bearing manufacturers are upgrading capabilities, investing in automation, and improving design engineering to align with international quality standards.

With 19.74 per cent of the Asia Pacific market, Japan remains a leading hub for high-precision bearings. Strong robotics, automation, automotive, and electronics sectors continue to drive demand for premium-grade, high-accuracy bearings.

Europe is the fastest-growing regional market, supported by investments in energy transition technologies, high-value industrial machinery, and advanced automotive systems. Germany leads Western Europe with 29.89 per cent of the regional market, followed by France (18.40 per cent) and the UK (9.93 per cent). Growth in these markets is driven by renewable energy, electric mobility, and high-value machinery exports.

North America is witnessing rising demand for large-diameter, customised bearings used in heavy machinery and wind turbines. Recovery in industrial investments and strengthening commercial vehicle demand are also contributing.

Brazil accounted for 54.99 per cent of Latin America’s bearing demand in 2023, supported by improvements in automotive production and industrial investments. In Saudi Arabia, market growth is linked to economic diversification under Vision 2030, with bearings required for construction, manufacturing, and large infrastructure projects.

Application landscape

Roller bearings are expected to maintain dominance due to their load-bearing efficiency and wide use in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. Ball bearings—favoured for reduced friction and ability to handle both thrust and radial load—will continue to see demand from two- and four-wheeler manufacturers.

Plain bearings, despite being the oldest bearing type, will maintain steady uptake due to their conformability, high shock resistance, and suitability for oscillatory applications. Growth in railway construction, aerospace fleets, and industrial equipment will support these categories.

The automotive segment will remain the largest application area through 2030, propelled by rising vehicle manufacturing, the shift to electric mobility, and expanding aftermarket demand. The railway and aerospace segment is forecast to record the fastest growth, given the rising need to replace ageing fleets, stricter environmental norms, and increasing air traffic.

The bearings market is highly fragmented, fostering innovation and specialised offerings. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and global supply-chain integration are rising as companies aim to expand reach and strengthen product portfolios. Manufacturers face stringent regulatory requirements related to durability, environmental impact, and safety. While direct substitutes for bearings are limited, predictive maintenance technologies indirectly influence aftermarket demand by extending replacement cycles.

Poised for strong growth

The bearings market is set for sustained global expansion through 2030, driven by industrial automation, energy-transition technologies, and the continued growth of automotive and machinery manufacturing. India, supported by manufacturing incentives, infrastructure transformation, and rising automotive output, is expected to emerge as one of the most dynamic markets in Asia Pacific. Advances in smart bearings, sensor integration, and high-capacity solutions for renewable energy will redefine industry standards. With global supply chains shifting and digitalisation accelerating, the bearings industry is poised for strong long-term growth across both established and emerging markets.

Article Courtesy: Grand View Research