EU tire sales improve slightly in 2016

Brussels – All tire segments except replacement agricultural tires saw increased sales for the full year of 2016, according to the latest figures from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA).

Replacement truck tire sales increased 3%, to 9.8 million units, while OE truck tire sales inched up 1%, to 5.7 million units.

Replacement agricultural tires saw a 6% drop in sales, to 1.4 million units, but motorcycle and scooter tire sales rose 4% to 9 million units.

ETRMA did not release figures for OE agricultural, motorcycle and scooter tires.

Although tire import figures weren't complete for 2016, the first 11 months showed a major increase over 2015, ETRMA said.

Truck tire imports to Europe increased 13% between 2015 and the end of November 2016, ETRMA said. Imports through November 2016 totalled 7 million units, including 4.4 million tires from China. In 2015, truck tire imports stood at 6.2 million units, including 3.8 million from China.