Global Plain Bearing Market Size Study & Forecast, by Type and End Use Industry, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

The Global Plain Bearing Market is valued at approximately USD 11.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5.50% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. Plain bearings-integral components for enabling smooth rotary or sliding motion-have become indispensable in countless mechanical systems, ranging from heavy industrial equipment to consumer appliances. These low-maintenance, cost-effective solutions serve as the backbone of movement in machinery, facilitating load support and reducing friction. The market is witnessing robust traction driven by growing industrial automation, expanding automotive production, and rising demand for reliable motion mechanisms across diverse sectors such as aerospace, construction, and agriculture. Simultaneously, the shift toward lightweight, noise-free, and maintenance-free solutions has accelerated innovation in bearing design, further stimulating global demand.

As the global economy continues to rebound, industrial infrastructure upgrades and renewed automotive assembly lines are igniting fresh demand for durable and high-performance bearings. The growing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs), for instance, has magnified the need for specialized plain bearings that deliver efficiency under high rotational speeds with minimal lubrication. Additionally, the aerospace and defense sectors are actively transitioning toward next-gen materials and streamlined engineering, further pushing demand for thrust and angular contact plain bearings. According to global energy market insights, increased investment in wind turbines, gas turbines, and other energy-generation equipment also augments the adoption of plain bearings due to their superior load-bearing capacity and extended service life. Despite these tailwinds, market expansion could be partially restrained by the availability of alternative technologies and the relatively slow adoption in smaller manufacturing setups.

Regionally, North America held the lion's share of the plain bearing market in 2024, largely driven by the presence of a strong automotive manufacturing base, well-developed industrial infrastructure, and an early adopter culture for advanced mechanical components. The United States, in particular, remains a key demand generator with significant consumption across construction machinery and aerospace systems. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region throughout the forecast period. This growth trajectory is underpinned by rapid industrialization, the rising middle-class population, and extensive investments in infrastructure development across nations like China, India, and South Korea. Moreover, the Make-in-India initiative and similar policy thrusts from other governments are further fueling local production capacities, thereby supporting the surge in plain bearing utilization across end-user verticals. Europe, on the other hand, is anticipated to maintain steady growth due to stringent engineering standards and a focus on high-performance machinery in countries like Germany and France.

Major market player included in this report are:

• SKF Group
• JTEKT Corporation
• NTN Corporation
• Timken Company
• NSK Ltd.
• THK Co., Ltd.
• GGB Bearing Technology
• INA Bearings (Schaeffler Group)
• IGUS GmbH
• RBC Bearings Inc.
• Saint-Gobain
• Brammer PLC
• Koyo Bearings
• Bunting Bearings LLC
• Accuride Corporation

Global Plain Bearing Market Report Scope:

• Historical Data - 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation - 2024
• Forecast period - 2025-2035
• Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
• Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Type:

• Journal
• Linear
• Thrust
• Angular Contact
• Others

By End Use Industry:

• Automotive
• Industrial
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Construction Machinery
• Agriculture & Gardening Equipment
• Oilfield Machinery
• Office Products
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:

• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.