News and Analysis
Data-driven analysis of the trends reshaping tire manufacturing, trade and technology
From China's 918-million-unit tire export surge in 2024 to a $25 billion natural rubber market driving 40% of tire compound costs, the forces reshaping this industry move fast and cut across trade policy, raw materials and vehicle electrification. Our analysis is built on the same primary sources behind our research practice: OICA production data, UN COMTRADE HS 4011 trade flows, and Tire Business Top 75 manufacturer figures, read alongside our ongoing programme of interviews with plant directors, purchasing managers and regulatory officials.
ENEOS Deal for TPC Positions Japanese Giant as Global No. 3 in Butadiene Supply
ENEOS Holdings is acquiring Houston-based TPC Holdings for roughly $1.28 billion, making ENEOS the world's third-largest butadiene producer and expanding its North American C4 chemicals footprint
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Natural Rubber Price Volatility Puts Tire Manufacturers' Margins on a Collision Course
Natural rubber ($25B market, 40% of tire compound) creates margin pressure. Carbon black and steel cord volatility compounds risk. Learn multi-commodity hedging strategies.
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EV Tire Demand Bottleneck: Engineering Capabilities Lag Behind Platform Launch Acceleration
EV-specific tire segment valued at $6.5 billion is growing faster than any sub-category. But manufacturer homologation capacity lags behind EV platform launches. Learn why capacity alone isn't enough.
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China's 918-Million-Unit Tire Export Surge Forces a Global Production Reshuffle
China exported 918 million tire units in 2024, exceeding the next five largest exporters combined. This unprecedented volume is triggering coordinated anti-dumping actions across the US, EU, India, Turkey, and Brazil, forcing Chinese manufacturers to relocate production to Vietnam, Cambodia, Serbia, and Thailand to avoid tariff exposure. Trade defense has become a critical commercial strategy.
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