Bekaert rubber reinforcement sales dip despite strong demand in China

Brussels - Bekaert has reported consolidated sales of €429 million in its ‘rubber reinforcement’ segment for the first quarter 2025, down 4% from €447 million a year earlier.

The €18 million drop was mainly due to an unfavourable raw material and price mix impact of €23 million, Bekaert reported in its first quarter results last month.

This was partially offset by small gains from volume (€1 million) and foreign exchange (€5 million).

According to the Belgian supplier, segment sales volumes were mixed across regions.

Strong volume growth in China helped offset lower volumes in Europe and North America, where demand for truck tires has weakened.

The higher share of sales in China, however, contributed to a lower average sales price.

Meanwhile, high plant utilisation in China is supporting profitability, said Bekaert without providing a figure.

The company’s rubber reinforcement joint venture in Brazil, not included in consolidated sales, generated sales of €45 million, up from €42 million last year.

In terms of market perspectives, Bekaert said the global tire market is expected to “remain subdued” amid the economic and trade uncertainty as well as changing global supply chains.

However, the group said it is “well positioned” to mitigate these challenges with its global footprint and the ability to supply from a number of low-cost locations.

The business is also negotiating the full pass-through of tariffs and is “closely monitoring changes in demand and competition in all markets.”