RMA forecasts mixed outlook for US tire shipments

The Rubber Manufacturers Association has forecast that US tire shipments will increase by approximately 1.2 percent, or just over 3 million units, to 288 million units. The main driver of these gains is original equipment (OE) tires for both light vehicle and commercial truck markets, which are forecast to rise nearly 16% in 2012 as continued pent up demand for both light vehicles and commercial trucks boosts domestic new vehicle sales and production.

Replacement tire shipments are forecast to decline by about 2%, or nearly 4 million units, to 236 million total units in 2012. Replacement consumer tire shipments are expected to rise slightly in the second half of 2012 based on increased miles driven, but the gains won’t be enough to keep shipments for the entire year from slipping below the 2011 levels, the Rubber Manufacturers Association said.

Here is the press release.