ETRMA: Replacement tire sales stable in 2018

Brussels – European replacement tire sales in 2018 remained stable, helped by a fourth quarter recovery, according to figures released by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

The replacement market for consumer tires witnessed 1% year-on-year growth last year, driven by “a strong increase” in demand  for all-season tires.

The original equipment (OE) market for consumer tires, meanwhile, posted a 4% decline, the ETRMA figures also show.

Overall, consumer tire sales from ETRMA members remained “generally stable, said the association’s 24 Jan review.

The truck tire replacement market posted the highest growth last year at 9%, while farm tire sales fell 4% - the segment’s fifth annual decline in a row.

In a trend-reversal, demand for two-wheeled, moto and scooter tires fell 2%, compared to 2% growth in 2017.

As for the last quarter of 2018, all tire segments showed a positive trend compared to Q4 2017.

“All in all, the 2018 figures confirm a stable market evolving according to expected trends,” said Fazilet Cinaralp, ETRMA secretary general.

Cinaralp also noted a “continued increase” in sales of winter and all-season tires, which she said add to safety on roads.

The ETRMA boss noted a “very positive evolution” of the truck tire replacement market “with “spectacular jumps” in Poland, Germany, Spain, the UK, Italy and The Netherlands.