Tyres Europe: Consumer tire market returns to growth

Brussels – European demand for replacement consumer tires has shown signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026, according to latest data released by Tyres Europe.

Sales of consumer tires (passenger car, SUV, and light commercial vehicles) returned to growth after a weak 2025, noted Adam McCarthy, secretary general of the Brussels-based association.

The segment saw a 1% year-on-year growth in demand to 58.1 million units, but the recovery was uneven across categories:

All season tires continued their “strong momentum,” up 5% year-on-year, as consumers favour what Tyres Europe called the “year-round versatility.”

Summer tires slipped 1%, continuing to lose share to All season.

Winter tires fell sharply, down 14%, reflecting mild conditions across much of Europe.

In a reversal from recent quarters, Tyres Europe member-company sales “significantly outpaced imports which were impacted by European produced tires and possible regulatory action.”

Miles travelled were subdued in the quarter, with the higher fuel prices associated with the conflict in the Middle East impacting from March.

At 2.67 million units sold, truck & bus tires edged up 1%, helped by a positive development in freight activity and an improvement in business sentiment.

The positive trend, however, was recorded prior to the latest phase of turmoil in the Middle East, and the consequent uncertainty around key global supply-chains.

Demand for agricultural tires declined 11% to 101,000 units, a trend Tires Europe linked to “continued caution in farm investment.”

Demand for moto & scooter tires registered a more positive trend: rising 6% year-on-year to 3.46 million units.

Tyres Europe: Development of replacement market in Q1/26

(Units '000)

Consumer = Passenger car, SUVs and light commercial vehicles / Source: EUROPOOL, Tyres Europe