Thrust Bearings Global Market Report 2026

A thrust bearing is a specialized type of rotary bearing designed to bear axial loads, which are forces applied parallel to the axis of the shaft. In contrast to radial bearings, which support loads that are perpendicular to the shaft, thrust bearings are specifically engineered to handle forces that push or pull along the rotational axis. Their primary function is to minimize friction and support axial loads in rotating applications, facilitating smooth rotation while enduring the forces exerted along the axis of the rotating components.

The main categories of thrust bearings include ball thrust bearings, single-direction thrust bearings, double-direction thrust bearings, cylindrical roller thrust bearings, spherical roller thrust bearings, and tapered roller thrust bearings. A ball thrust bearing is crafted to support axial loads while allowing rotational movement between two parts, all while reducing friction. These bearings are typically made from materials such as stainless steel and ceramic. They are available through various distribution channels, both online and offline, and are utilized across numerous sectors, including automotive, power and energy, aerospace, and industrial applications.

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.

Tariffs have impacted the thrust bearings market by increasing the cost of imported steel, ceramic materials, and precision machined components used in bearing production. These higher input costs have raised prices for thrust bearings, affecting demand across automotive, power and energy, and industrial applications, particularly in regions reliant on imported components such as Asia Pacific and Europe. Spherical roller and tapered roller thrust bearing segments are most affected due to higher material intensity. At the same time, tariffs are encouraging local manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and development of cost efficient bearing solutions.

The thrust bearings market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides thrust bearings market statistics, including the thrust bearings industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with a thrust bearings market share, detailed thrust bearings market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the thrust bearings industry. This thrust bearings 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 thrust bearings market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.72 billion in 2025 to $3.98 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of automotive manufacturing, expansion of industrial machinery production, increasing use of rotating equipment, rising demand from power generation sector, development of aerospace engineering applications.

The thrust bearings market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.25 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth of electric vehicle production, increasing investments in renewable energy projects, rising automation in industrial equipment, demand for energy efficient mechanical systems, expansion of advanced manufacturing technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for high load capacity thrust bearings, growing adoption of spherical roller thrust bearings, increasing use of thrust bearings in electric vehicles, expansion of thrust bearings in power generation equipment, higher preference for low friction and long life bearings.

The expanding automotive industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the thrust bearings market in the coming years. This industry includes companies engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling motor vehicles. Growth is fueled by rising consumer demand, availability of credit, the adoption of electric vehicles, and preferences for innovative transportation solutions. Thrust bearings play a crucial role in the automotive sector by supporting axial loads and reducing friction in vital components such as transmissions and steering systems, thereby enhancing vehicle performance and durability. For example, in May 2025, the Verband der Automobilindustrie (the German Association of the Automotive Industry) reported that in 2023, research and development investments by German automotive companies increased by 11% year-on-year, reaching €58.4 ($63.1) billion. Consequently, the growth of the automotive industry is propelling the thrust bearings market.

Key players in the thrust bearings market are increasingly focusing on the development of mounted thrust bearings to satisfy the rising demand for efficient and durable components across various industrial sectors. These mounted thrust bearings, which are pre-assembled and ready for installation, offer several benefits, including reduced maintenance time, enhanced load-carrying capacity, and improved alignment. For instance, in March 2024, Auburn Bearing & Manufacturing, a US-based company specializing in ball and roller thrust bearings, introduced the MT-114RG mounted thrust bearing. This new product enhances the versatility of the T-114RG thrust bearing series by allowing for easier installation. The MT-114RG can be simply threaded onto a shaft, streamlining the installation process and ensuring secure placement.

In April 2024, Zhejiang XCC GROUP CO. Ltd, a Chinese manufacturer of thrust bearings, acquired WJB Automotive LLC for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is expected to leverage WJB Automotive's market expertise alongside XCC-ZXZ Group's manufacturing capabilities, facilitating global growth, broadening market reach, and accelerating product innovation within the automotive industry. WJB Automotive LLC is a US-based company that produces thrust bearings and related components.

Major companies operating in the thrust bearings market are SKF AB, The Timken Company, NSK Ltd, NTN Corporation, JTEKT Corporation, Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp., Schaeffler AG, RBC Bearings Ltd, C&U Group, ZKL Group, American Roller Bearing Company, Kingsbury Inc., Waukesha Bearings Corp., Scheerer Bearing Corporation, Boca Bearings Co. Ltd, Adarsh Bearings Pvt. Ltd, Astro Bearings Corp., Qibr Bearing Co. Ltd, NSK-RHP (NSK UK), NTN-SNR Bearings

North America was the largest region in the thrust bearings market in 2025. The regions covered in the thrust bearings market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the thrust bearings market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The thrust bearings market consists of sales of magnetic thrust bearings, fluid film thrust bearings, full complement thrust ball bearings, angular thrust ball bearings and thrust needle 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.

Thrust Bearings Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses thrust bearings 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.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for thrust bearings ? 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 thrust bearings 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, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• 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.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Ball Thrust Bearing; Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings; Tapered Roller Thrust Bearing
• 2) By Material: Stainless Steel; Ceramic
• 3) By Distribution Channel: Online; Offline
• 4) By End-User: Automotive; Power And Energy; Aerospace; Industrial; Other End Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Ball Thrust Bearing: Single Row Ball Thrust Bearing; Double Row Ball Thrust Bearing
• 2) By Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings: Solid Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings; Split Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings
• 3) By Tapered Roller Thrust Bearing: Single Row Tapered Roller Thrust Bearing; Double Row Tapered Roller Thrust Bearing
• Companies Mentioned: SKF AB; The Timken Company; NSK Ltd; NTN Corporation; JTEKT Corporation; Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.; Schaeffler AG; RBC Bearings Ltd; C&U Group; ZKL Group; American Roller Bearing Company; Kingsbury Inc.; Waukesha Bearings Corp.; Scheerer Bearing Corporation; Boca Bearings Co. Ltd; Adarsh Bearings Pvt. Ltd; Astro Bearings Corp.; Qibr Bearing Co. Ltd; NSK-RHP (NSK UK); NTN-SNR Bearings
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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