US tire makers back legislative proposal to incentivise retreading

Washington – The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has voiced its support for a tire retreading bill introduced at the US Congress last month.

The 'commercial vehicle fleet retreaded tire utilisation reinvestment and recovery act of 2022', introduced by Congressman Tim Ryan on 21 June, looks to provide tax credits for fleet purchases of US retreaded commercial tires.

“Retreading of commercial tires in the US market has steadily decreased over the last 25 years, due in part to foreign alternatives for new tires,” said USTMA president and CEO Anne Forristall Luke.

The foreign alternatives, she went on to say, are 65% less likely to be retreaded because of their design and construction.

“By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy US retreaded commercial tires, the federal government would be helping to level the global playing field for US tire companies and shift the business model back in favour of retreading,” she added.

According to the US association, there are more than 500 retreading shops in the US and Canada, directly supporting more than 51,000 jobs in the US.

“Congressman Ryan’s proposed bill would provide a financial incentive to promote US manufactured retreaded tires, therefore protecting and enhancing the US job market,” the association added.