Global tyre shipments to top 3.1 billion units by 2030, latest Smithers data shows

Despite short-term uncertainty linked to tariffs and raw material pricing, vehicle OEMs continue to demand innovation and sustainability in tyres, including for more larger rim sizes and electric vehicle-specific models.

According to a new Smithers market report (The Future of Global Tires to 2030), this will propel demand forward at a 5.4 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $367 billion in 2030. Simultaneously volumes will increase at a four per cent CAGR to over 3.1 billion units in 2030.

The main catalyst, according to Smithers, will be the development of more premium, specialized road tyres for passenger and commercial vehicles. These account for 21.5 per cent of volume demand in 2025, but will grow at 10 per cent year-on-year across the next five years.

The segment is diversifying with a wide range of SUV, winter, all-season, green, EV, and run-flat models, allowing more established tyre companies to leverage R&D innovations.

Passenger light truck (PLT) tyres remain the most important market segment, accounting for over two thirds (67.6 per cent) of contemporary demand by volume, ahead of motorcycle tyres (21.3 per cent), and truck and bus radials (nine per cent).

A very large installed vehicle parc will support generally healthy PLT replacement across 2025-2030, even if OE sales are reduced in the short term; aging car fleets and extended vehicle replacement cycles in mature markets will make replacement channels more important.

Simultaneously low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres will grow in popularity, calling for design innovations that improve fuel efficiency, without compromising traction and treadwear.

Across the Smithers forecast period, the data company said consumption of tyre raw materials will increase from 57.2 billion kg in 2025 to 67.4 billion kg in 2030.

Materials suppliers are expected to feel parallel pressure to develop more sustainable higher-performance rubber grades and reinforcement materials. As more EV tyres are sold, Smithers expects this to create new revenue from polymer noise-cancelling foams.

Alongside electrification, automotive production is increasingly moving toward more autonomous features and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This is generating new opportunities for smart tyres carrying sensors to provide real-time data on road surfaces, inflation, and wear.

Tyre makers are increasingly tapping this data to deliver more intelligent, enhanced tyre maintenance services for commercial vehicle fleets.