Ukraine war clouds positive Q1 for EU tire makers

BRUSSELS—Aftermarket shipments of most tire types throughout Europe were up comfortably in the first quarter over a year ago, but the pace of growth slowed in March due to uncertainties arising from Russia's attack on Ukraine, according to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA).

Led by 22 percent growth in shipments of all-season tires, replacement passenger tire sales rose 8.8 percent in the quarter to 61.7 million units, the ETRMA figures show. 

Economic recovery, meanwhile, drove a 10.2-percent rise in truck/bus tire sales to 3.67 million units and 9.3 percent higher motorcycle/scooter tire sales to 3.55 million units.

Bucking the positive trend, shipments of agricultural tires fell 6.5 percent to 344,000 units due to “low seasonality” compared with the 2021 first quarter.

“Raw material and energy supply tensions coming from the current situation, are likely to affect sales volumes in the coming months,” ETRMA General Secretary Fazilet Cinaralp said. 

“We all hope that in the weeks to come, we will assist to a conflict resolution to stop the war and re-establish the peace,” she added. 

The industry enjoyed double-digit growth in 2021 versus 2020 in the major replacement tire categories, according to the Brussels-based trade group that represents 15 international tire makers with manufacturing assets in Europe. 

The ETRMA's data refer to markets in 35 European countries, stretching from Ireland in the West to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Baltics in the East plus Malta and Turkey.

The ETRMA's member companies operate 94 manufacturing facilities (including retread plants) throughout Europe, employing over 200,000 workers and representing 300 million units of passenger and 18 million units of truck/bus tire capacity.