Tread rubber shipments improved markedly in the second half of 2003, reports the Rubber Manufacturers Association's (RMA) Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee. These shipments in 2003 were used to produce 16 million retreaded tires in the U.S.
Shipments of tread rubber in the first half of 2003 trailed 2002 shipments due to the soft economy, the RMA reports. Fueled by improvements in the overall economy, tread rubber shipments improved in the second half of 2003.
Shipments through 2005 will also benefit from a stronger economy, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%, the RMA predicts.
