U.S. tire shipments dip in July

WASHINGTON (Oct. 29)—Total U.S. tire shipments dipped less than 1 percent to 26.9 million units in July from 27.2 million units, according to data gathered by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. For the first seven months of the year, shipments increased 3 percent to 197.1 million units. Canadian tire shipments grew in July, climbing 7.6 percent to 2.25 million units from the year earlier, the Rubber Association of Canada reported. Shipments for the year-to-date inched up 1.4 percent to 16.8 million units from the same period last year. U.S. passenger tire deliveries dropped 3.5 percent to 21.4 million units from 22.1 million units for the month. The replacement segment decreased 7 percent to 15.5 million units, while original equipment shipments rose 13.3 percent to 3.8 million units.