Decarbonization and Intelligence Drive Global Bearing Market

Publication Time：2025-12-16 11:15 [ From：Andge Bearing ] Author：Bearing Website

The global bearing market is entering a new era of growth driven by decarbonization initiatives and intelligent upgrades. According to a recent report by Astute Analytica, the global bearing market was valued at $82.73 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $188.47 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.58% from 2025 to 2033. This robust growth is supported by technological innovations, increasing demand from key end-use industries, and the global push for sustainable development. Major players in the market include SKF, Schaeffler AG, NSK Ltd., NTN Corporation, Timken India Ltd., and China's LYC Corp., among others, whose strategic moves are shaping the industry's trajectory.

Decarbonization has become a core strategic focus for leading bearing manufacturers, with technological breakthroughs emerging in low-carbon materials and production processes. In November 2025, SKF launched China's first near-zero-carbon bearing at the 8th China International Import Expo. The inner and outer rings and steel balls of this bearing are made of green steel produced via electric furnace technology, maximizing material recycling and minimizing carbon emissions. The seals and cages use high-performance bio-based polyamide instead of fossil-based materials, and the world's first thermoplastic sealing solution is adopted. With 100% renewable energy used in manufacturing and biomass grease as lubricant (reducing friction by 50%), the carbon footprint of the product is significantly reduced. This launch is part of SKF's commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in global production operations by 2030 and global net-zero emissions by 2050.

Earlier, in July 2024, SKF and Voestalpine's subsidiary achieved a milestone in decarbonizing bearing production by successfully manufacturing the first batch of spherical roller bearing prototypes using hydrogen direct reduced iron (H-DRI) steel. H-DRI is a low-emission steelmaking alternative that is crucial for the sustainable development of the steel industry. Annika Ölme, SKF's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology Development, stated, "Steel is a key raw material for bearing production. To achieve the transformation and speed required for decarbonizing bearing production, the entire industry must work together. Our cooperation with Voestalpine demonstrates how we can turn ideas into action and promote a more circular industrial development." These spherical roller bearings are widely used in marine, pulp and paper, mining, and construction industries.

Intelligent technology is another key driver of market growth, with predictive maintenance and digitalization reshaping the industry. SKF's launch of the "Patent Bay" technology sharing platform, which opens selected patents to enterprises free of charge, has accelerated the application of sustainable development technologies. The company's RecondOil Box, known as the "hemodialysis machine for lubricating oil," uses DST dual separation technology for intelligent purification and deep cleaning, extending oil life and finding wide application in marine, aerospace, metallurgy, and industrial sectors. Remanufactured bearings, which consume only 10% of the energy required for new bearings, have also gained popularity, achieving a win-win situation of cost reduction and environmental protection.

The automotive industry, despite mixed prospects, remains a major demand driver. The accelerating shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models, coupled with advancements in autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles, is creating new demand for high-performance bearings. According to market data, domestic sales of the global automotive industry increased by 7.3% in 2024, while exports surged by 19.2%, indicating strong international demand. In the EV sector, bearings with higher rotational speed, better insulation, and longer service life are in high demand. SKF's Low Friction TRB Pro tapered bearing, launched at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, reduces friction torque by 60% compared to ordinary TRB in the 70-110 km/h speed range, extends service life by 10%, and contributes to improving the range of new energy vehicles.

Industrial demand, particularly from wind power, aerospace, and robotics sectors, is fueling market expansion. The global wind power industry's shift to ultra-large units has driven demand for high-capacity bearings. China's 25MW wind power main shaft bearings and SKF's aerospace bearings are typical examples of technological adaptations to industry needs. The robotics sector, with its growing demand for precision joints, has become a new blue ocean. Meanwhile, regional market dynamics are changing, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing market due to industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of Chinese manufacturers.

Looking ahead to 2025-2033, the report highlights that stable macroeconomic conditions, proactive government policies, and shifting consumer preferences will continue to support market growth. However, challenges such as raw material price fluctuations and technological competition remain. Enterprises that focus on R&D in low-carbon materials, intelligent technologies, and high-end applications are expected to gain a competitive edge. As the global bearing industry evolves towards decarbonization and intelligence, it is poised to play a more critical role in supporting the sustainable development of the global manufacturing sector.

【Andge Bearing】WuXi Andge Bearing Co.,Ltd. delivers reliable bearing solutions for industrial, automotive and mechanical applications.

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Decarbonization and Intelligence Drive Global Bearing Market

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