RMA shows steep first-half drop in shipments

Tire Business staff report

Washington -- The half-year tyre shipments report by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) shows just how far the industry tumbled in the first six months of 2009, compared with the same 2008 period.

Though June - the most recent data released by the organisation - shipments of replacement passenger tyres in the US fell 11.9 percent to 87.4 million units, while those for light truck tyres slid 18.8 percent to 12.4 million units. Half year shipments of replacement truck and bus tyres fared much the same, declining 21.7 percent to 5.83 million tyres.

Original equipment shipments in all tyre segments monitored by the RMA fell even more precipitously. Those for passenger tyres slid the worst, declining 54.3 percent from 2008's corresponding period to 9.86 million tyres. Next were truck and bus tyres, down 45.5 percent through June to 1.15 million tyres. OE shipments of light truck tyres were less hard hit, off 11.8 percent to 1.33 million units.

Imports of these tyres also experienced steep declines during the period, falling 22.7 percent, 28.9 percent and 40.1 percent for passenger, light truck and truck and bus tires, respectively.

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RMA shows steep first-half drop in shipments from Tire Business (a Crain publication)