China Brake Friction Products Market Overview, 2030

China’s brake friction industry has seen significant changes, moving from the common use of asbestos-based pads to the implementation of EV-adapted low-metallic and organic materials, influenced by regulatory actions under CCC China Compulsory Certification and GB standards. The prohibition of asbestos, due to its health risks, sparked a surge of material development. At present, manufacturers in China are creating copper-free, low-metallic pads designed for electric vehicles that offer improved thermal stability and are suitable for regenerative braking systems. These materials conform to GB 5763 and GB/T 34014 standards, which specify the friction characteristics, durability, and particulate emissions for both original equipment manufacturers OEM and replacement market uses. In the OEM sector, key companies such as BYD, Geely, and NIO are incorporating friction materials that meet international sustainability standards. These pads are designed for quiet operation, reduced wear, and minimal brake dust essential for electric vehicle systems where braking must support energy recovery functions. OEM suppliers are putting funding into advanced braking systems and pads equipped with sensors that satisfy CCC safety and performance certifications. On the other hand, China’s aftermarket is substantial, representing over 70% of the total volume of friction materials. With more than 300 million vehicles in use, the requirement for replacement pads particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is rapidly increasing. Domestic brands such as Frontech and Longkou Fuchang are prominent in this area, providing affordable, CCC-compliant pads for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and older fleets. The aftermarket is also quickly embracing low-metallic and NAO non-asbestos organic materials to adhere to stricter urban emission regulations. In comparison to India, China’s development is more led by regulations and focused on large-scale production. While India is moving away from asbestos to semi-metallic and organic pads, its aftermarket is still scattered and less uniform.

According to the research report, "China Brake Friction Products Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the China Brake Friction Products market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.20% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by swift electrification, new regulations under CCC China Compulsory Certification, and a shift towards copper-free and low-metal content materials. The CCC requirements, along with standards such as GB 5763 and GB/T 34014, have raised the quality and safety standards for products, particularly for brake pads, discs, and linings used by OEMs and in the aftermarket. These rules call for thorough assessments of wear rate, friction performance, and emissions of particles, hastening the move from old asbestos materials to friction tech that is compatible with electric vehicles. When compared to Japan, China's market is notably bigger and more vibrant. Japan has a well-established, quality-focused friction industry that emphasizes high-end vehicles and top-quality exports, in contrast to China's scale-driven, EV-focused growth propelled by domestic leaders like BYD, NIO, and Geely. Meanwhile, Japan’s market is expanding at a modest rate with a more cautious expansion in the aftermarket and a lower level of electric vehicle adoption compared to China’s ambitious electrification goals. These pads and discs are specifically created to work well with electronic braking systems and energy recovery technologies, especially in urban transportation and high-end electric vehicle platforms. Key market participants comprise ITT K&L China, Sangsin Brake, and prominent local companies such as Frontech, Longkou Fuchang, and Hubei Feilong.

China's brake component sector by type is divided into Brake Discs, Brake Pads, Brake Drums, Brake Shoes, Brake Liners and Brake Shims has expanded swiftly, fueled by large-scale manufacturing abilities, strict compliance with CCC and GB standards, and increasing demand from local and international markets. Companies such as Gold Phoenix and Winhere produce brake discs in high quantities, with annual production surpassing 6 million units. Crafted from high-carbon cast iron and alloy steel, these discs cater to a diverse array of vehicles, ranging from basic sedans to commercial fleets, and they are precisely machined to comply with ECE R90 and ISO 9001 standards for distribution. In city cars, brake pads have transitioned from being asbestos-based to low-metallic and ceramic types, designed for quiet functioning, minimized dust output, and suitability for regenerative braking systems. Vendors like SIPAUTEC and Freno Brake provide ECE R90- and IATF 16949-certified pads that are specifically designed for compact electric vehicles and urban cars, focusing heavily on noise, vibration, and harshness NVH management and wear durability. Brake drums continue to play a vital role in affordable vehicles and light commercial vehicles LCVs, particularly in second- and third-tier cities. Suppliers such as Frontech and Zhengyang Machinery produce cast iron drums offering cost-effective longevity, catering to older platforms and budget-oriented buyers. Brake shoes, prevalent in vehicles used in rural areas and older fleets, are manufactured by companies like Santa Brake and Frontech China. These shoes incorporate semi-metallic or ceramic linings, designed for reliable friction and extended service life when facing diverse terrains and weather circumstances. For trucks, brake liners from Powertech and Feiying Auto Parts provide robustness against high temperatures and prolonged wear. These linings are compliant with CCC and ECE R90 regulations and are utilized in logistics, mining, and heavy-duty vehicle operations across China.

The brake friction industry in China by Sales Channel is divided into Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM and Aftermarket is characterized by its huge OEM scale, spearheaded by automotive leaders BYD and Geely, along with a rapidly growing aftermarket influenced by increasing vehicle ownership and the shift towards electrification. BYD has become one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers, utilizing ceramic and low-metallic pads designed for regenerative braking, NVH management, and minimizing particulates. Meanwhile, Geely manages a varied range of vehicles, including passenger cars, hybrids, and commercial models, procuring friction parts from both local and international Tier 1 suppliers such as ITT, Sangsin, and Glory Friction. These original equipment manufacturers require materials that are CCC-certified and meet GB 5763 standards to ensure safety, longevity, and compliance with China’s changing emission and performance regulations. The aftermarket sector, representing over 70% of friction volume, anticipates a CAGR of 4.3% until 2035, driven by a vehicle population exceeding 300 million units. Urban development, aging fleets, and increased adoption of EVs have generated significant demand for replacement pads, discs, and linings particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Local companies such as Frontech, Longkou Fuchang, and Hubei Feilong lead this market by providing affordable, CCC-compliant products tailored to local driving habits. These offerings consist of copper-free pads, corrosion-resistant rotors, and molded brake shoes for light commercial vehicles and rural fleets. When compared to Japan, China’s friction market is more regulation-focused and scale-driven, with quicker adoption of materials specific to EVs and a centralized approach to enforcing CCC and GB regulations. Although Japan has a sophisticated market, its growth is more cautious and primarily centers on premium passenger vehicles. Conversely, manufacturers and aftermarket businesses in China are swiftly innovating to cater to the requirements of electric vehicles, logistics fleets, and budget-friendly consumers.

China's brake disc industry by material is divided into Metallic Discs, Composite Discs and Ceramic Discs showcases a multi-layered transformation influenced by industrial expansion, electrification, and the enforcement of CCC and GB guidelines. Metal discs, mainly composed of high-carbon cast iron, continue to be fundamental for heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles, providing excellent thermal capacity, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Companies like Santa Brake and Made-in-China suppliers manufacture millions of truck-grades discs every year, designed to endure heavy loads, steep inclines, and extended operation periods. These discs comply with ECE R90 and TS16949 certifications, facilitating logistics, mining, and long-distance freight across China’s extensive landscapes. In the luxury vehicle sector, composite discs usually aluminum cores fused with high-carbon friction rings are becoming more popular due to their lightweight characteristics and better heat dissipation. Providers like Winhere and Ferodo supply composite discs specifically for high-end and performance vehicles like Audi, BMW, and luxury domestic electric models. These components decrease unsprung weight, enhance handling, and boost fuel efficiency, meeting the growing demand in China for premium vehicles and export-quality standards. Composite discs also incorporate advanced coatings and vibration dampening, fulfilling both aesthetic and performance requirements. For electric vehicles, ceramic discs are increasingly prevalent because of their minimal dust production, quiet functionality, and suitability for regenerative braking systems. Manufacturers such as Jinli New Material and Freno Brake offer copper-free ceramic pads and discs designed for high-temperature durability and reduced particulate emissions. These components are progressively being integrated into EVs from BYD, NIO, and Geely, aiding China's objective for zero-emission urban transportation and adherence to European-style particulate regulations.



China’s market for brake friction by vehicle type is divided into Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles LCVs, Trucks and Buses encompasses a wide and diverse array of vehicles, influenced by industrial capacity, the shift to electrification, and adherence to CCC and GB standards. Within passenger vehicles, local manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, and Changan have moved away from using asbestos pads in favor of ceramic and low-metallic alternatives, which are designed to enhance regenerative braking, manage NVH, and minimize particulate matter. Suppliers like Winhere and Frontech produce copper-free, CCC-approved pads specifically for urban electric vehicles and hybrid systems, aiding China's efforts towards achieving zero emissions in transportation. Light Commercial Vehicles LCVs which are widely utilized for both urban logistics and rural distribution depend on semi-metallic pads and cast-iron drums specifically crafted to handle frequent stops and variable loads. Producers such as Gold Phoenix and GDST Auto Parts manufacture more than 30 million sets each year, delivering affordable yet highly durable options for vans, pickups, and utility vehicles. These products comply with the GB/T 34014 standards concerning wear rates and friction stability, ensuring both compliance and effectiveness across a variety of terrains. In the truck sector, particularly for long-distance and industrial uses, woven brake liners and metallic discs are prevalent. Baiyun Brake and Luxian Braking provide friction materials with high inertia that can withstand severe loads, steep slopes, and longer service durations. Their offerings meet the requirements of ISO 26865 and FMVSS-121 standards, supporting the transportation of goods across China’s freight networks and construction operations with sturdy, heat-resistant options. Buses, especially in the realm of public transportation, are shifting toward braking systems that produce low emissions.
Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Brake Friction Products Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Brake Discs
• Brake Pads
• Brake Drums
• Brake Shoes
• Brake Liners
• Brake Shims

By Sales Channel
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
• Aftermarket

By Material
• Metallic Discs
• Composite Discs
• Ceramic Discs

By Vehicle Type
• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
• Trucks
• Buses