As a provider of an indispensable machine element, Japan's bearing industry has achieved dramatic growth over the years in step with Japan's auto and home appliance industries. Although friction with western nations has occurred in the past as a result of such growth, through such measures as regulating exports and expanding overseas production, Japan's bearing industry has succeeded not only in alleviating this friction but also in establishing harmonious, cooperative ties with its partner organizations in these nations. Currently, the JBIA meets with the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers' Associations (FEBMA) annually for meetings between top leaders and specialists, etc. in order to exchange production statistics and to exchange views and information related to topics of mutual interest, such as global environment, the problem of counterfeit bearings, and the globalization of the auto industry.