HS Code:
Bearings with an outside diameter not exceeding 30 mm fall under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 8482.10, which includes ball bearings. These small-sized bearings are critical components in various machinery and equipment, used primarily in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors. Their compact size makes them ideal for applications requiring high precision and low friction, such as in small motors, household appliances, and computer hardware. The global trade of these bearings is influenced by manufacturing hubs, technological advancements, and industrial demand.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$800 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
18% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$400 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs)
Increased need for precision bearings in EV motors and drivetrains, boosting trade volumes in countries with strong automotive sectors like Japan and Germany.
2021-2023
Shift towards automation and robotics
Rising adoption of small bearings in robotic arms and automated machinery, driving exports from tech-heavy economies like South Korea.
2020-2022
Supply chain diversification
Post-COVID-19, companies are sourcing bearings from multiple regions to avoid disruptions, benefiting smaller exporters in Southeast Asia.
2021-2023
The US Department of Commerce introduced additional anti-dumping duties on Chinese bearings with small diameters to counteract unfair pricing practices.
March 2023
Likely to reduce Chinese market share in the US, redirecting demand towards European and Japanese suppliers.
An update to the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement reduced tariffs on industrial components, including small bearings, to 0%.
January 2023
Expected to increase Japanese exports to the EU, strengthening bilateral trade in precision components.
Major manufacturers in Germany and Japan introduced ceramic-hybrid bearings for small-diameter applications, offering higher durability and efficiency.
June 2022
Could shift market preference towards high-value bearings, impacting low-cost producers.