EU tire demand strengthens in second quarter

Brussels – EU Demand for replacement tires strengthened in the second quarter of 2026, particularly in the truck and bus tire segment, according to the latest results published by Tyres Europe.

Demand for consumer tires (passenger car, SUV and light commercial) rose by 3% year-on-year in the second quarter to 51.978 million units, raising first-half volumes by 2% higher to 110.133 million units.

All-season tires led the market once again, up 15% in the quarter and 9% in the first half, compared to the year before, Tyres Europe said 6 Aug.

Summer tires slipped 2% year-on-year, continuing to lose share to all-season, while winter tires edged down 1% in the quarter and remained 5% lower across the first half.

According to Tyres Europe, miles travelled declined in the quarter, reflecting “significantly higher average fuel prices and weaker consumer sentiment due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”

Imports rebounded in the period, following the very sharp declines in the previous quarter.

Demand for truck & bus tires rose 13% year-on-year in the second quarter to 2.704 million and are up 7% in the first half to 5.378 million units.

Freight activity and business sentiment help up during the quarter despite geo-political issues and high fuel and energy costs.

Truck tire imports were up sharply in both the first and second quarters.

Agricultural tires continued to decline in the quarter ended 30 June, posting a fall of 7% to 90 million units.

This, however, represented “a significantly slower pace of decline” compared to the first quarter, which saw demand fall 12%. For the first six months, demand declined 10% to 190 million.

Moto & Scooter tires saw a 1% year-on-year increase in demand to 2.599 million units, as overall first half volumes grew 4% year-on-year to 6.063 million.