The Ukrainian analytical center U8 has prepared a report on supplies of Western-manufactured bearings to Russia covering the period from October 2024 to March 2025. During this period, Russia managed to import Western bearings with a total value of $43.5M, 92% of which qualify as High Priority Items.
The largest shares by country of origin were accounted for by Germany — $8.4M (19%), the Czech Republic — $7.4M (17%), Japan — $7.2M (17%), Spain — $4.3M (10%), and Taiwan — $2.1M (5%).
Among manufacturers, bearings produced by the Czech company ZKL ranked first with $7.4M (17%), despite the fact that this company is not even among the world’s top ten industry leaders. A similar situation was observed for bearings produced by relatively small companies — the German KRW Leipzig ($3.7M; 8%) and the Spanish Fersa Bearings ($3.6M; 8%), which ranked third and fourth respectively. This may indicate weak implementation of KYC policies by these companies.
Bearings produced by the global market leader SKF ranked second with $5.1M (12%), followed by the Japanese company NSK with $3.5M (8%).
The report was submitted to the governments of the countries of the Democratic Coalition and to the European Union.
We are publishing this news in partnership with the U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO.
This report is produced by U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine — a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of U8 Ukrainian Analytical Center NGO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.