Home < News < China's Bridge Bearing Industry Goes Global: Market Overview & Comparison of China, Europe, and the USA
Global infrastructure development continues to grow, and the demand for bridge bearing products is rising steadily. After decades of progress, China's bridge bearing industry not only meets domestic infrastructure needs but has also secured a significant place in the international market. This article analyzes the position and use of Chinese bridge bearings worldwide, export trends, compares European and American markets with China's, and evaluates manufacturers from these regions.
A bridge bearing is a crucial component that connects the upper and lower structures of a bridge. It transfers loads, allows for movement, and provides seismic isolation. There are different types of bearings, including low-carbon steel bearings, seismic isolation bearing units, and bridge rubber bearing pads.
The global market for bridge bearings is growing steadily. Research indicates that by 2025, the worldwide revenue for bridge seismic isolation bearing products already reached hundreds of billions, with further growth expected by 2032. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market, holding about 55% of the global share, followed by Europe (23%) and North America (14%). This distribution aligns with regional levels of infrastructure investment.
China plays a vital role in the global bridge bearing market. Reports suggest continued growth in China between 2025 and 2030, driven by strong domestic demand and improved technical expertise and competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers.
From a relatively unknown player to a major force, Chinese bridge bearing products are now solidly supporting global infrastructure. The performance of a bridge bearing directly affects the safety and lifespan of a bridge.
Previously, European and American companies led global bridge bearing technology and supply. Now, Chinese manufacturers dominate locally and are rapidly growing their international market share thanks to better technology and cost advantages.
From Southeast Asian railways to cross-sea bridges in the Middle East, Chinese-made bridge bearing products are being used worldwide on a large scale, changing the global competitive landscape.
Based on structure, the main types are fixed bearings, expansion bearings, and seismic isolation bearing systems. Based on material, common types are steel bearings, bridge rubber bearing, and PTFE slide bearings.
The seismic isolation bearing type is the most technologically advanced. It uses special designs and materials to absorb and disperse earthquake energy. Chinese seismic isolation bearing products have been successfully used in major overseas projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia and the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh. Initially, Chinese bridge bearing exports relied on price advantage and targeted developing regions like Southeast Asia and Africa. Now, with stronger technical capabilities, Chinese bridge bearing products are strong global competitors, exported to over 30 countries and regions including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. This shows growing international acceptance of Chinese bridge bearing quality and reflects overall progress in Chinese manufacturing.
Chinese bridge bearing makers keep improving their products through innovation.
Smart technology is a key trend. By installing sensors in bridge bearing units, these traditional "bridge joints" can now monitor displacement, stress, and other key data in real time, bringing smart management to infrastructure.
Products like double-curved spherical seismic isolation bearing and bridge rotation spherical hinges have reached industry-leading standards. These high-tech bridge bearing solutions are used in major Chinese projects like the Fuzhou-Xiamen High-Speed Railway (the nation's first cross-sea high-speed rail), the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, and the Huangmao Sea Crossing.
Chinese manufacturers have also advanced in materials science. For bridge rubber bearing products, leading Chinese companies can now produce versions suited for harsh environments like cold regions and coastal areas. Some of these bridge rubber bearing products have seen load capacity increases up to 35% compared to traditional options.
Chinese bridge bearing exports have grown consistently in recent years. Trade data shows China exports bridge bearing products to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The export mix is also shifting from basic products to ones with higher technology and value.
The international status of Chinese bridge bearing products keeps rising. This is due to their good value-for-money and growing international recognition of China's bridge-building experience. Chinese involvement in many international bridge projects provides excellent reference cases and application records for its bridge bearing products.
