ETRMA says tire market recovery 'not yet consolidated' in Europe

Brussels – Replacement tire sales in Europe have seen a trend reversal from the ‘very promising’ outlook in the second quarter to ‘a lower volume evolution’ in the three months to end of September.

All segments either remained flat or reported negative developments during the third quarter, said the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) in its latest report 14 Oct. 

Replacement consumer tire volumes totalled 60.5 million units, marginally up from 60.4 million reported last year and 2% down from 61.5 million in 2019.

Here, the segment recorded a 20% increase in all-season tires and an 11% decrease in the summer car tires, while winter tire sales remained stable.

The replacement truck tires segment was more dynamic compared to the consumer tire segment, posting a 2% increase compared to 2019 at 3.56 million units.

This, ETRMA said, was achieved by a ‘higher-than-expected’ economic recovery and the positive stock replenishment activity. 

The volume, however, remained 1% below the 2020 levels, when cargo transport and deliveries drove the truck tire market.

Meanwhile, farm tire and two-wheel tire segments both registered declines during the third quarter.

Agricultural tire volume fell to 245,000 units, down 16% compared to 2020 and 7% compared to 2019.

Two-wheel tire sales fell 8% year-on-year to 2.18 million in 2021, registering a 17% growth over the 2019 levels.

“Like in 2020, the main story in 2021 remains strong growth in the all-season segment, despite the overall decline in the market,” said ETRMA secretary general Fazilet Cinaralp. 

The data, she added, also shows that “this beginning of recovery is not yet consolidated for our sector.” 

Cinaralp expressed the hope that the upcoming months will show “a more positive trend.”