BRUSSELS—All tire segments except replacement agricultural tires saw increased sales for the full year of 2016, according to the latest figures from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association.
Replacement consumer tire sales rose 2 percent between 2015 and 2016, from 202.8 million to 206.7 million, ETRMA said in a Jan. 23 press release.
Original equipment consumer tire sales were up 3 percent from 83.6 million in 2015 to 86.1 percent in 2016, the association said.
Replacement truck tire sales increased 3 percent, to 9.8 million from 9.5 million, according to ETRMA. Meanwhile, OE truck tire sales inched up 1 percent, to 5.7 million from 5.6 million.
Replacement agricultural tires saw a 6 percent decrease in sales, to 1.4 million from 1.5 million, but motorcycle and scooter tire sales rose 4 percent to 9 million from 8.6 million.
ETRMA did not release figures for OE agricultural, motorcycle and scooter tires.
Although tire import figures weren't complete for 2016, the first 11 months showed a major increase over 2015, ETRMA said.
As of the end of November 2016, passenger tire imports to Europe totaled 143.4 million, including 65.5 from China. This was up 16 percent from the 123.6 million imported tires in 2015, including 57.8 million from China, the association said.
Truck tire imports to Europe increased 13 percent between 2015 and the end of November 2016, ETRMA said. Imports through November 2016 totaled 7 million, including 4.4 million from China. In 2015, truck tire imports stood at 6.2 million, including 3.8 million from China.