WASHINGTON (Dec. 22)—Tread rubber shipments are expected to end the year 2.2 percent ahead of 2004 totals because of economic growth and a strong demand for off-the-road tires, the Rubber Manufacturers Association said.
The growth rate was stronger than last year, when shipments gained 1.5 percent over 2004, according to the RMA. Continued strength in construction, increases in the number of trucks, expansion in manufacturing and positive freight trends likely will sustain growth though 2006 and 2007 at an annualized rate of 2 percent.
The RMA said the 2005 tread rubber shipments represent a total of about 16.1 million retreaded tires in the U.S. Tire units in 2006 are expected to increase by about 300,000 units.