Tire makers urge changes to EU Industrial Accelerator Act

Brussels – Europe's tire manufacturers have called on the European Commission to strengthen the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), warning that the draft legislation "does not sufficiently support" the competitiveness and decarbonisation of the EU tire industry.

In a 1 July position paper, Tyres Europe welcomed the Commission's recognition of tire manufacturing as a “strategic, energy-intensive industry.”

However, it said, the proposal leaves "key gaps" in market scope, demand-side incentives, investment support and regulatory coherence.

"Targeted adjustments are required to ensure the IAA effectively supports low-carbon, high-performance and European tire manufacturing, while reinforcing the resilience of the European automotive value chain," the association said.

Among its recommendations, Tyres Europe called for tires to be recognised as "a strategic component" in both the OE and replacement markets, noting that replacement tires account for 75% of EU tire sales but receive no support under the current proposal.

The association said EU-based manufacturers have lost more than 12% of their domestic market share since 2018, due to higher energy and labour costs, global overcapacity and rising imports.

According to the paper, tire imports into the EU have increased by 195%, driven mainly by China, while passenger car tire manufacturers' share of the EU market fell from 71% in 2018 to 59.6% in 2025.

The truck and bus tire segment declined from 72% to 60.8% over the same period.

The paper, therefore, called for measures that would "effectively increase demand" for tires manufactured in Europe.

Tyres Europe also urged the Commission to adopt a Union origin definition that "truly supports European manufacturing", arguing that products made in the EU should be prioritised in public procurement and public support schemes.

While supporting the use of existing EU customs rules—which define a tire's origin as the country where it is cured—the association said products manufactured in the EU should be prioritised.

Priority should then be placed with tires made in Customs Union countries and then in countries meeting equivalent trade and procurement criteria.

The paper further called on policymakers to recognise the contribution of tires to vehicle efficiency and decarbonisation.

According to Tyres Europe, tires account for 20-30% of a vehicle's energy efficiency while representing only 2-3% of its “ex-works value.”

Citing European Commission estimates, the group said the EU tire label has reduced energy consumption by up to 45TWh/year and avoided around 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The Brussels-based association, therefore, said the IAA should encourage the use of higher-performing tires in public procurement and support schemes, building on the EU tire label.

For commercial vehicles, Tyres Europe urged policymakers to support EU-made retreaded truck and bus tires, saying retreading cuts cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas emissions by 52% compared with manufacturing new tires.

The association also called for stronger financial support for industrial decarbonisation projects, faster permitting procedures and clearer governance of the proposed industrial manufacturing acceleration areas.