EU replacement tire market shrinks in ‘challenging environment’

Brussels – The European replacement tire market remained weak in the second quarter of 2025 amid a “challenging economic and geopolitical environment,” according to the latest data from the Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

The consumer tire segment reported an overall 4% year-on-year decline in the second quarter, with 51.6 million units sold.

This reflected a 9% decline in summer tires, a 5% drop in all-season tires, and a 9% increase in winter tires.

Over the first half, the segment shrank 1% year-on-year despite increases in the all-season and winter tire categories, ETRMA data showed on 28 July.

The truck and bus segment remained weak in the second quarter, posting a 5% year-on-year decline to 2.54 million units.

Over the first six months, the segment declined 4% to 5.1 million units.

Demand for farm tires decreased 5% year-on-year in the second quarter to 180,000 units, and was also down 5% in the first half, with 382,000 units sold.

Two-wheeler tires – moto and scooter – was the only segment to post a positive trend, with a 2% increase to 2.8 million units during the second quarter.

Over the first half, demand grew 5% year-on-year to 6.3 million units, according to ETRMA.

The challenging economic and geopolitical environment “continues to undermine market confidence and investments,” said Adam McCarthy, ETRMA’s secretary general.

“Only the motorcycle and scooter segment benefited from a decline in non-pool volumes,” he added.

According to ETRMA, volumes — except in the moto and scooter segment — remained below pre-Covid 2019 levels: consumer tires down 2.8%, truck tires down 14.3%, and farm tires down 47%.