Industry survey shows pressure mounting on European retreading sector

Willich, Germany – Europe’s retreading industry is facing increasing economic pressure, with 75% of industry participants describing the current market situation as “critical” or “declining”, according to a new survey by the Alliance for Future Tyres (AZuR).

The survey, carried out in spring among companies and experts across the tire and retreading sector in Germany as well as other European and international markets, highlights growing concern over price pressure driven by “cheap tire imports.”

In a 19 May statement, AZuR said a majority of respondents called for “stronger political support” to maintain competitiveness and promote sustainable tire solutions such as retreading.

The results of the survey will be presented publicly at Tire Cologne 10 June.

According to the findings, almost half of respondents described the current state of retreading as being “under severe pressure.”

Only “optimistic industry representatives,” AZuR said, “speak of market growth.”

German respondents were among those assessing the outlook most negatively.

Despite the challenging conditions, the survey found that retreading continues to be viewed as an important component of the circular economy due to its resource efficiency and climate benefits.

Respondents identified lower total cost of ownership, high carcass quality, and closer cooperation between fleets, dealers and retreaders as the key drivers of market development.

Modern service models and cost-per-kilometre structures were also highlighted as “important future strategies,” alongside improved tire management systems and more consistent ESG reporting.

The survey also showed strong demand for policy intervention, with 88% of respondents identifying green public procurement and stronger public sector support as key measures to support the industry.

Participants called for binding sustainability criteria in public procurement, improved regulatory frameworks, and equal treatment of retreaded tires within European ESG and taxonomy systems.

Some respondents also pointed to existing models in France and Scandinavia, including mandatory disposal fee systems, as potential best practice examples for wider adoption.