Cylindrical roller bearings market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak market for cylindrical roller bearings expanded from 4.3 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 5.4 thousand tons in 2021, driven by global technological innovations that improved bearing performance and increased demand from the automotive industry. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, reducing imports and boosting domestic market availability. Additionally, export restrictions and sanctions against Russia in 2021 limited overseas shipments, diverting more production to the local market.

From 2022 onward, the market volume contracted, falling sharply to 3.2 thousand tons in 2024. This decline was primarily due to heightened export activity, including significant shipments to Russia via Turkey by Slovak producer Kinex Bearings despite sanctions. Concurrent changes in Slovak legislation regarding industrial production and environmental standards added regulatory pressure, while global raw material price fluctuations and logistics challenges affected production costs and trade flows.

Throughout the period, key Slovak manufacturers like ZVL SLOVAKIA and Kinex Bearings played a central role, investing in production capacity and advancing bearing technology. The entry of new players and expansion of manufacturing capabilities in the early years supported production growth, but the increasing orientation toward export markets, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions, ultimately reduced domestic supply.

Production cylindrical roller bearings in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovakia's cylindrical roller bearings production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 145.8 million US dollars, showing a slight gain of 2.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 165%, with an average annual growth rate of 38.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Cylindrical roller bearings production in Slovakia has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, Slovakia produced 11,131 tonnes, reflecting a moderate increase of 6.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 104.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 26.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cylindrical roller bearings from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Slovakia's exports of cylindrical roller bearings declined. In 2020, exports totaled 7,634 tonnes, down by 9.9% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.6%, with an annualized rate of 2.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 8,472 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Russia consistently led Slovakia's exports in kind. Germany accounted for 50.6% of exports, Czechia for 16.0%, and Russia for 4.9%, together making up 71.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Slovakia's cylindrical roller bearings exports stood at 96.4 million US dollars, marking a drop of 13.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.3%, with an annualized rate of 5.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Russia were the principal destinations for Slovakia's exports in value terms. Germany represented 68.3% of exports, Czechia 10.9%, and Russia 3.0%, jointly accounting for 82.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Slovakia in value, 2017-2020

Imports cylindrical roller bearings to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia's imports of cylindrical roller bearings have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Slovakia imported approximately 992 tonnes, down by 40.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 69.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 32.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over 2017–2020, Spain, China, and Czechia were the main sources of Slovakia's imports in kind. Spain accounted for 34.3% of imports, China for 12.7%, and Czechia for 11.8%, together absorbing 58.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Cylindrical roller bearings deliveries to Slovakia have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 9.4 million US dollars, showing a steep decrease of 34.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 75.9%, with an annualized rate of 37.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and China were the main suppliers of cylindrical roller bearings to Slovakia in value terms. Spain represented 39.3% of imports, Germany 12.6%, and China 7.0%, together comprising 59.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Slovakia in value, 2017-2020