Plain Bearing Market Scope & Overview:

The Plain Bearing Market size was estimated at USD 13.55 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.33 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period of 2025-2032. The plain bearing market is witnessing steady growth driven by its extensive application across diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and industrial machinery. Plain bearings, known for their simple design, cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance requirements, are preferred for applications where rotational, sliding, or oscillatory motion is required. The automotive sector remains a significant contributor to market growth, as plain bearings are widely used in engines, transmissions, and suspension systems. The ongoing advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) have further driven demand for lightweight and durable bearings to improve energy efficiency. Similarly, in the aerospace sector, the rising production of aircraft and the need for high-performance components have bolstered the adoption of plain bearings.

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Key Plain Bearing Market Trends

• Rising adoption of self-lubricating bearings

• Growth in electric vehicles (EVs) and automotive applications

• Shift towards advanced materials like composites and bimetallics

• Integration of smart and sensor-enabled bearings for predictive maintenance

• Expansion in aerospace and heavy machinery applications

• Focus on energy efficiency and sustainable bearing solutions

Plain Bearing Market Growth Drivers

• Rapid industrialization in developing countries drives significant demand for plain bearings, essential for durable and efficient machinery across growing sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and energy

Industrialization in developing countries has been a significant driver of demand in the plain bearing market. As emerging economies experience rapid growth in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, construction, and energy, the need for efficient machinery and equipment has surged. Plain bearings, known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and low-maintenance requirements, are integral components in these machines, making them highly sought-after in these regions.

Countries like China, India, and Brazil have witnessed a substantial rise in industrial activity, supported by government initiatives to boost infrastructure and local manufacturing. For instance, programs like "Make in India" and similar efforts across other nations encourage domestic production, directly increasing the use of machinery equipped with plain bearings. These bearings are particularly favored in industrial settings due to their ability to handle high loads and operate reliably in demanding environments. Additionally, the ongoing shift towards automation and advanced manufacturing technologies in developing nations further amplifies this demand. Automated machinery and robotics, essential in modern industrial processes, often rely on plain bearings for smooth and efficient operations. As these economies continue to grow and diversify, the demand for plain bearings is expected to rise, solidifying their critical role in supporting industrial progress in these regions.

Plain Bearing Market Restraints

• Fluctuating raw material prices significantly impact the plain bearing market by increasing production costs and reducing profit margins, creating financial uncertainty for manufacturers.

Fluctuating raw material prices pose a significant challenge to the plain bearing market, directly impacting production costs and profit margins. Plain bearings are typically made from materials like bronze, steel, aluminum, and polymers, whose prices are subject to volatility due to factors such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand in other industries. For instance, rising steel or aluminum costs can substantially increase manufacturing expenses, forcing manufacturers to either absorb the additional costs or pass them on to customers, potentially reducing competitiveness.

This volatility creates financial uncertainty for manufacturers, particularly those operating on tight margins. It also impacts long-term planning and pricing strategies, as companies struggle to predict future raw material costs. In turn, this challenge may affect smaller manufacturers more severely, limiting their ability to invest in technological advancements. Thus, managing raw material price fluctuations remains a critical focus area for players in the plain bearing market.

Plain Bearing Market Segment Analysis:

By Type

The Journal segment dominated with the market share over 34% in 2023, primarily because of their extensive use in various industrial applications. These bearings are designed to support radial loads and are commonly found in machinery, automotive, and heavy equipment sectors. Their ability to handle high-load conditions and provide smooth, low-friction motion makes them essential in applications such as engines, turbines, and compressors. Journal Bearings are particularly favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, contributing to their dominance in the market. They are widely used in rotating equipment where there is a need to support heavy loads while maintaining stability and reducing wear. Industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing rely on Journal Bearings to enhance the performance and longevity of their equipment.

By End-Use Industry

The automotive segment dominated with the market share over 32% in 2023, driven by the essential role these bearings play in various automotive components. Plain bearings are widely used in automotive engines, transmissions, steering systems, suspension, and powertrains, where they help reduce friction and wear between moving parts, ensuring smooth performance and enhancing the durability of the vehicle. The demand for high-performance, low-maintenance bearings is growing as vehicles become more complex and efficient. Additionally, advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies further boost the need for specialized bearings in electric drivetrains and battery systems.

Plain Bearing Market Regional Outlook

North America Plain Bearing Market Insights

North America region dominated with the market share over 42% in 2024, due to the strong presence of key industries like automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. These sectors require plain bearings for various applications, such as in engines, machinery, and automotive parts, driving significant demand. The region’s advanced infrastructure, coupled with high levels of technological development, further bolsters this market position. In particular, the United States, with its established industrial base, is a major contributor to the growth of the plain bearing market. The aerospace sector, in particular, demands high-performance bearings for aircraft engines and other critical components.

Asia Pacific Plain Bearing Market Insights

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the plain bearing market, making it the fastest-growing region globally. This expansion is largely fueled by the region’s accelerated industrialization and robust manufacturing activities. Emerging economies such as China and India are central to this growth, driven by their expanding automotive, construction, and industrial sectors. As these economies continue to develop infrastructure and increase production capacities, the demand for plain bearings rises, especially in sectors like automotive, machinery, and heavy equipment. 

Europe Plain Bearing Market Insights

Europe is witnessing a booming demand for plain bearings by 2024 owing to the dominance of the automobile and industrial machinery industry, and the growing popularity of energy-efficient and lightweight bearing products. The region’s emphasis on renewable energy sources, notably wind power, continues to increase demand for plain bearings used in turbines and associated equipment. Furthermore, the strict norms pertaining to sustainability, coupled with the technological advancements by European manufacturing companies, are augmenting the market expansion.

Latin America (LATAM) Plain Bearing Market Insights

LATAM is also experiencing tried growth, owing to increasing industrialization, along with mining and infrastructure activities in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Growing automotive industry recovery and investments in heavy machinery is driving the use of plain bearings across construction and manufacturing industries. In addition, increasing trade as well as economic reforms in major LATAM economies are also driving demand for durable and affordable bearing solutions.

Middle East & Africa (MEA) Plain Bearing Market Insights

In Middle East & Africa (MEA), plain bearing continues to be increasingly sought after as several countries have been witnessing rapid industrial development, infrastructure growth, and continuous investment in the oil & gas sector. The Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE will continue to lead the market with major construction and energy projects, particularly those requiring heavy-duty equipment fitted with plain bearings. In addition, with increasing emphasis on economic diversification and upgradation of transportation and industrial sectors, lucrative avenues for adoption of plain bearings are being opened up in MEA.

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Plain Bearing Market  Competitive Landscape

NTN Corporation
NTN Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of spherical plain bearings, bushings, and thrust bearings, catering to automotive, industrial machinery, and energy sectors. The company focuses on high-performance bearing solutions with advanced lubrication and material technologies.

• In October 2024, NTN developed a High Speed and Long Operating Life Grease for machine tool spindle bearings, achieving an industry-leading dmn value of 1.9 million. This innovation enhances lubrication stability and energy efficiency in high-speed applications, positively impacting the plain bearing market.

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
Schaeffler Technologies designs and manufactures spherical plain bearings, rod ends, and heavy-duty industrial bearings for automotive, construction, and industrial machinery sectors. The company emphasizes durability, high-load capacity, and precision engineering.

• In March 2024, Schaeffler introduced the new NJ23-ILR cylindrical roller bearings, engineered for heavy-duty industrial gearboxes and construction machinery. These bearings offer a 24% increase in dynamic load rating and double the operating life compared to the standard NJ23 type, thereby enhancing performance and reliability in demanding applications.

Plain Bearing Market Companies are:

• NTN Corporation (Spherical plain bearings, bushings, thrust bearings)

• THK Co., Ltd. (Linear plain bearings, slide bushings)

• Zollern GmbH & Co. KG (Hydrodynamic plain bearings, bimetal bearings)

• SKF Group (Journal bearings, thrust bearings, bushings)

• GGB Bearing Technology (Metal-polymer bearings, fiber-reinforced composite bearings)

• Boston Gear LLC (Sleeve bearings, oil-impregnated bushings)

• Minebea Mitsumi Inc. (Pivot bearings, sleeve bearings, ball bushings)

• Thomson Industries Inc. (Plain linear bearings, bushing bearings)

• Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG (Spherical plain bearings, rod ends)

• Timken Company (Journal bearings, custom bushings, thrust bearings)

• RBC Bearings Incorporated (Heavy-duty bushings, high-load plain bearings)

• Igus GmbH (Plastic bushings, dry-tech plain bearings)

• NSK Ltd. (Thrust plain bearings, sleeve bearings, rod ends)

• Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (Polymer plain bearings, self-lubricating bearings)

• Federal-Mogul LLC (Bimetallic bearings, bronze bearings)

• Kaydon Corporation (Custom-engineered plain bearings, split bronze bearings)

• Oiles Corporation (Self-lubricating bearings, metal composite bearings)

• Daido Metal Co., Ltd. (Engine bearings, industrial bushings)

• Caterpillar Inc. (Heavy-duty bushings, thrust bearings)

• Berliss Bearing Company (Bronze bushings, sleeve bearings)