United States tread rubber shipments in 2003 will produce more than 16 million retreads, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
"A soft first quarter performance is expected to be offset by strong growth throughout the remainder of the year," say RMA officials.
"Improvement in the economy along with growth in the construction industry will fuel the turnaround."
Tread rubber shipments are expected to increase 1.4% over 2002 numbers.
