Needle roller bearings market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German needle roller bearings market volume remained near 15 000 t in 2018 and 2019, supported by strong demand from the automotive industry, particularly for heavy trucks and electric vehicles, and the presence of major manufacturers like Schaeffler AG and SKF. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruptions in manufacturing and supply chains, leading to a sharp contraction of the market to 11 240 t.

Recovery began in 2021, driven by increasing demand for high-performance bearings for electric vehicles, bolstered by state funding programs for sustainable mobility. This trend continued into 2022, where further growth to over 15 000 t was fueled by the rising importance of automation in manufacturing and the emergence of new segments such as precision machine bearings for robotics.

By 2023, the focus on electric vehicle bearings persisted, supported by German industry initiatives and EU emission reduction directives, while leading companies expanded their product portfolios. In 2024, government funding for electromobility and technological advances in miniaturization continued to stimulate demand, but rising logistics and transport costs introduced adjustments in the supply chain, coinciding with a market volume decrease to 13 098 t.

Production needle roller bearings in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's needle roller bearings production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 215.0 million US dollars, marking a 19.3% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 23.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's needle roller bearings production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 6 933 tonnes were produced, representing a significant decrease of 23.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 36.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.2%.

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

Exports needle roller bearings from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Needle roller bearings exports from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 5 984 tonnes, reflecting a strong decline of 15.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 45.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -18.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany exported needle roller bearings to numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—China, the United States, and Italy—together accounted for only 28.3% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of needle roller bearings from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 223.2 million US dollars, amounting to a decline of 12.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's needle roller bearings exports had a broad buyer portfolio. China (14.3% of exports in value terms), the United States (10.5%), and France (7.1%) together contributed only 31.9% of total exports in value terms, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports needle roller bearings to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's volume of needle roller bearings imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 291 tonnes, which is 19.7% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 11.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Slovakia (61.2% of imports in volume terms), China (7.6%), and Japan (6.2%) formed the core of Germany's needle roller bearings imports, together accounting for 75.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's needle roller bearings imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 162.6 million US dollars, which is 18.1% less compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 34.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia (57.0% of imports in value terms), Japan (8.3%), and China (8.1%) formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's needle roller bearings imports, with a combined share of 73.5% of total flows.

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

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