WASHINGTON-Tire shipments in all categories continued to founder in March following steep declines in February, according to the latest Rubber Manufacturers Association data.
Shipments of medium and wide base tires took the biggest hit, with those destined for the original equipment market falling 47.7 percent for the month, from the same period a year ago, and slipping 44.3 percent for the year-to-date. Aftermarket shipments of these tires fell 17.5 percent for the month and 22.6 percent for the quarter.
Passenger and light truck tire shipments followed a similar trend, although the declines were not as steep. Replacement passenger tire shipments slid 10.1 percent in March and slipped 8.2 percent through the first three months. Those slated for OE fell 11.4 percent during the month and were down 15.6 percent through March.
In light truck tires, shipments to the OE market fell 24.9 percent in March and 29.8 percent for the first three months.