The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) predicts that moderate growth in tread rubber shipments in the second half of this year compared to the same period last year will offset a first-half decline.
According to the RMA's Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee, growth in tread rubber shipments from 2002 to 2004 will average 2.5% per year.
In addition, shipments in 2002 will produce 16.4 million tires retreaded in the United States.
