UK consumer tire volumes down 16% in H1

London – Consumer replacement tire volumes in the UK fell sharply in the first half of 2025, according to data released by the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA).

Over the six months to end of June, replacement consumer tire volumes declined 16% to 7.8 million units, down from 9.3 million units reported in the first half of 2024. 

Truck & bus tire volumes grew 2% year-on-year to 532,000 untis, said BTMA citing data compiled by Astutus Research.

Motorcycle & scooter volumes remained flat at 395,000 units, it said.

The figures, said BTMA, reflect “a complex and shifting market landscape shaped by economic pressures, changing driving habits, and the growing influence of low-cost imports.”

The downturn in consumer tire volumes – which covers cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles – follows a 13% year-on-year fall in the first quarter and a further 19% drop in the second quarter compared to 2024. 

BTMA said its members cite “inflationary pressures, reduced vehicle mileage, and increasing competition from budget brands, particularly from China and Vietnam, as key drivers behind the contraction.” 

While the number of light vehicle miles travelled in the UK has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, particularly for vans and LCVs, BTMA said car traffic “still lags behind.” 

“Many motorists continue to drive less, influenced by hybrid working, rising living costs and high interest rates,” it added. 

As a result, tire replacements are being deferred—and when they do happen, more drivers are turning to low-cost imports.

According to the quarterly update, imports of passenger car and light truck tires from China rose by 13% in the first quarter of year, while imports from other sources dropped by 17%. 

This trend, BTMA said, underlines the significant pricing advantage enjoyed by overseas manufacturers, where production costs remain lower than in Europe. 

In contrast, sales of new replacement truck & bus tires posted a modest 3% year-on-year increase in the second quarter, bringing the total year-to-date growth to 2%. 

The improvement reflects a slight rebound in truck mileage after a two-year slump, supporting demand in the commercial transport sector. 

Truck tire imports also rose, with volumes from China up 16% year-on-year and those from Thailand and Vietnam up 4% in the first three months of the year. 

The “continued diversification” of import sources, BTMA said, shows that the supply chain is still adapting to post-pandemic disruptions and evolving cost structures. 

The motorcycle & scooter segment remained broadly stable over the first half of the year, with growth in the first quarter being offset by a slight dip in the second three months of the year. 

Total volumes remained level year-on-year, highlighting a more resilient but niche corner of the market. 

“This latest data paints a clear picture of a market under pressure but also undergoing transformation,” said Darren Lindsey, chief executive of the BTMA. 

While the downturn in consumer volumes is concerning, particularly for premium and mid-range brands, Lindsey stressed that it was important to understand the underlying causes—from economic headwinds to changing consumer preferences. 

“The continued rise in low-cost imports signals a need for the UK tire industry to innovate, adapt and keep the spotlight on safety and quality,” he concluded.