WASHINGTON—Total U.S. tire shipments will grow only 0.2 percent in 2016 over 2015, according to the mid-year forecast issued by the Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Shipments in all tire sectors will total 314.1 million in 2016, up from 313.5 million in 2015, the association said.
Light truck tires will see solid growth in 2016, but passenger and truck tires will range from very modest growth to a slight decrease, according to RMA.
Original equipment passenger tires will grow only to 49.8 million in 2016 compared with 49.7 million in 2015, and replacement passenger shipments will decrease to 205 million from 206.1 million.
OE light truck tire shipments will total 4.8 million in 2016, compared with 4.4 million in 2015, according to RMA. Replacement shipments in that sector will grow to 30.8 million from 29.1 million, it said.
OE truck tire shipments will fall to 5.3 million from 6.2 million, while truck tire shipments will grow to 18.5 million from 17.9 million, RMA said.