PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1823116
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1823116
Reinforced elastomeric bearings are structural elements used in bridges and buildings to accommodate movements and rotations while transferring loads between different structural parts. They are made up of layers of elastomer (typically rubber) reinforced with steel plates to improve strength and durability. These bearings provide flexibility, reduce vibrations, and allow for thermal expansion or seismic activity.
The primary types of reinforced elastomeric bearings include plain bearings, laminated bearings, and sliding bearings. Plain bearings are non-rolling supports composed of rubber and steel layers that enable controlled movement and load transfer in bridges and buildings without relying on moving parts such as balls or rollers. These bearings are manufactured from various materials including natural rubber, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and others. They find applications in bridges, buildings, heavy machinery, and more. Major end-users encompass the construction, industrial, and transportation sectors, among others.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the construction sector, particularly in materials procurement and project costs. Higher duties on imported steel, aluminum, lumber, and machinery have driven up expenses for builders, contractors, and infrastructure developers, leading to increased project bids and delayed timelines. Construction equipment manufacturers face similar challenges, with tariffs on essential components and raw materials inflating production costs and squeezing margins. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs in international markets have curtailed exports of U.S.-made construction equipment and materials, further affecting profitability. The sector must now prioritize local sourcing, modular construction techniques, and supply chain diversification to control costs and ensure project viability amid ongoing trade uncertainties.
The reinforced elastomeric bearing market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides reinforced elastomeric bearing market statistics, including the reinforced elastomeric bearing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the reinforced elastomeric bearing market share, detailed reinforced elastomeric bearing market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the reinforced elastomeric bearing industry. This reinforced elastomeric bearing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The reinforced elastomeric bearing market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.22 billion in 2024 to $1.35 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to expanding infrastructure development projects, increased demand for bridges, accelerating urbanization across regions, heightened highway construction activities, and a stronger emphasis on durability.
The reinforced elastomeric bearing market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.96 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%. In the forecast period, growth is expected to be driven by rising investments in transportation, growing concerns over seismic safety, increased adoption in railway systems, a preference for low-maintenance solutions, and escalating government spending on infrastructure. Key trends anticipated include advancements in high-performance bearing materials, the integration of smart sensor technologies, innovations enhancing structural load management, developments in cost-effective manufacturing processes, and progress in promoting the use of eco-friendly materials.
The rising investment in infrastructure is expected to drive the growth of the reinforced elastomeric bearings market in the coming years. Infrastructure investment involves allocating funds and resources to develop, maintain, or upgrade critical physical systems such as transportation networks, utilities, and public facilities. This increase is driven by urbanization, as the growing population in cities requires governments and businesses to expand and modernize transportation, housing, and utility services. Such investments boost demand for reinforced elastomeric bearings, which play a vital role in supporting bridges and elevated structures by absorbing vibrations and allowing controlled movement, thereby improving safety and extending the lifespan of these constructions. For example, in June 2025, the State Council Information Office in China reported that fixed-asset investment in road and waterway infrastructure rose 11.4% year-over-year, reaching $76 billion (512 billion yuan). Thus, the rise in infrastructure investment is fueling the reinforced elastomeric bearings market.
The expansion of rail corridors is expected to propel growth in the reinforced elastomeric bearings market. Rail corridor development involves the planning, construction, and upgrading of railway routes to improve transportation capacity, connectivity, and efficiency for both freight and passengers. This growth is driven by increased government infrastructure investments aimed at promoting efficient, sustainable, and high-capacity transportation systems. These efforts help alleviate road congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate economic development. Reinforced elastomeric bearings are crucial in rail corridors, as they absorb loads, accommodate structural movements, and minimize vibrations between bridges and supporting piers, ensuring infrastructure stability and durability. For instance, in February 2025, the State Council Information Office reported that China's railway network had extended to 162,000 kilometers, including 48,000 kilometers of high-speed rail. In the previous year, more than 3,100 kilometers of new rail lines were added, with 2,457 kilometers designated as high-speed rail. Therefore, the growing development of rail corridors is a significant driver for the reinforced elastomeric bearings market.
Leading companies in the reinforced elastomeric bearings market are focusing on innovative material advancements, such as polymer bearing materials, to enhance wear resistance, reduce friction, and prolong service life in demanding structural applications. Polymer bearing materials are synthetic, non-metallic substances designed to provide low friction, high wear resistance, and corrosion-free performance across various mechanical and structural systems. For example, in October 2024, igus GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance polymer bearings, introduced iglide JPF, a new plain bearing material free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This product exemplifies igus's commitment to sustainability by offering an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional self-lubricating plain bearings, which often depend on PFAS and PTFE for resistance to water, heat, and dirt. With growing global regulatory pressures to reduce harmful substances, iglide JPF addresses both environmental and health concerns while maintaining high wear resistance and durability.
Major players in the reinforced elastomeric bearing market are Trelleborg AB, Canam Group Inc., Freyssinet S.A., Mageba SA, Ekspan Limited, FIP Industriale S.p.A., CECO Infratech Private Limited, Maurer SE, Granor Rubber & Engineering Pty Ltd, Scougal Rubber Corporation, Farrat Isolevel Ltd., VSL International Ltd., Structural Rubber Products LLC, R R Engineers, Elastomer Industries Private Limited, Sandhya Enterprises, Metal Engineering & Treatment Co. Pvt. Ltd., Boomarine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hevea Engineering Sdn Bhd, and Suzhou Xinyu New Material Technology Co. Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the reinforced elastomeric bearing market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in reinforced elastomeric bearings report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the reinforced elastomeric bearings market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The reinforced elastomeric bearings market consists of sales of steel-reinforced elastomeric bearings, pot bearings, spherical bearings, lead rubber bearings, and high-damping rubber bearings. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Reinforced Elastomeric Bearing Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on reinforced elastomeric bearing market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for reinforced elastomeric bearing ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The reinforced elastomeric bearing market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.