U.S. tire shipments drop in July

WASHINGTON (Oct. 17)—Total U.S. tire shipments dropped sharply in July as all major categories showed significant declines. Shipments for July totaled 24.7 million units, down 9.8 percent from the 27.4 million shipped a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. For the first seven months of 2000, total shipments increased 2.1 percent 202.5 million units as all categories except medium truck tires posted gains. News was much the same in Canada, as July replacement shipments were down but year-to-date totals remained up, according to figures from Rubber Association of Canada members.