RMA Predicts Little Growth in 2017

The Rubber Manufacturers Association projects minimal growth in total U.S. tire shipments in 2017.

Total shipments should reach roughly 319.8 million tires in 2017 compared to 318.4 million tires in 2016.

According to the association the largest growth will be seen in OE passenger tire shipments. The segment is expected to grow 1.5% year over year and increase by roughly 700,000 units. The OE light truck segment is expected to grow by .5% and the OE truck segment is expected to remain stagnant.

On the replacement side truck tire shipments are expected to decrease by nearly 1.4% or 300,000 tires. Replacement passenger shipments are expected to change .3% or an increase of 600,000 tires. Replacement light truck is expected to grow .9% or an increase of 300,000 tires.