RMA projects moderate growth in tread rubber

WASHINGTON (Sept. 4)—Growth in the tread rubber market will average 2.5 percent annually between 2002 and 2004, according to projections from the Rubber Manufacturers Association's Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee. Declines in shipments in the first half of the year will be offset by gains in the second half, making tread rubber shipments in 2002 about even with 2001, the committee said. 2002 tread rubber shipments will produce 16.4 million retreaded tires in the U.S., it added.