According to customs statistics, from January to December 2024, China imported rolling bearings worth 35.19 billion USD, a 6.73% decrease compared to the same period last year. The import volume totaled 16.62 million tons, down by 9.14%. The average import price of bearings increased, reaching 2.12 million USD per ton, roughly four times higher than the average price of exported Chinese bearings.
Table 1: Bearing Imports
Main Types of Bearings by Import
The highest volumes of imports were in the following types of bearings:
- Deep groove ball bearings
- Other cylindrical roller bearings, including separators and roller units
- Other rolling bearing components
- Other ball bearings
- Tapered roller bearings, including tapered roller units
Less in demand were thrust ball bearings and self-aligning ball bearings.
Main Supplier Countries
The leading countries by import volume were:
- Japan
- Germany
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- USA
Significant imports also came from South Korea, Austria, France, Italy, and Romania.
Export of Rolling Bearings
In 2024, China exported rolling bearings worth 64.40 billion USD, a 1.92% increase compared to last year. The export volume was 121.55 million tons, up by 7.1%. The average export price decreased to 0.53 million USD per ton.
Main Types of Bearings by Export
The highest export volumes were in the following types of bearings:
- Deep groove ball bearings
- Other rolling bearing components
- Other ball bearings
- Tapered roller bearings, including tapered roller units
- Other cylindrical roller bearings, including separators and roller units
Less in demand were self-aligning ball bearings and thrust ball bearings.
Table 2: Bearing Exports
Main Recipient Countries
The leading countries by export volume were:
- India
- USA
- Germany
- South Korea
- Mexico
Significant export volumes also went to Brazil, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, and France.
Conclusion
The customs data shows that despite a decline in the import of rolling bearings, China continues to increase its export volumes, solidifying its position as a key player in the global bearing market.
