European tire sales flat in 2017 — ETRMA

BRUSSELS — Tire sales in Europe were largely flat in 2017, with a strong increase in OE truck tire sales but a sharp drop in replacement agricultural tires, according to the latest figures from the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA).

OE truck tire sales increased 7.4 percent to 6.09 million units, according to the ETRMA. This contrasts with a 0.3-percent dip in replacement truck tire sales, to 9.73 million units, the association said.

Replacement consumer tire sales fell 0.9 percent, to 204.8 million uniits, while OE consumer tires increased by 0.7 percent to 86.8 million units.

Shipments of summer consumer tire sales dropped 3.6 percent to 112.1 million units, the ETRMA said, while sales of winter car tire rose 1.5 percent, to nearly 57 million units.

Replacement agricultural tire sales fell 10,3 percent to 1.28 million units, the ETRMA said. The association did not report OE agricultural tire sales.

Replacement motorcycle and scooter tire sales increased 2.1 percent to 9.13 million units, the association said.

Imports of agricultural tires to Europe increased 13 percent in the first 10 months of 2017, the ETRMA said. The greatest increase in imports came from China and India, with the latter country now holding almost 40 percent of agricultural tire imports to Europe, the association said.

"All in all, the picture painted by 2017 for our industry is one of stability, very much as foreseen at the beginning of the year" said Fazilet Cinaralp, ETMRA secretary general, "however, the continued poor performance of members' sales in the agricultural tire segment remains striking, especially as imports continue to grow."

The ETRMA's data cover 29 European countries, stretching from Ireland in the west to Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and the Baltic states in the east.