Tread rubber shipments are expected to grow 2.2% in 2005 due to economic growth and strong demand for OTR tires, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
"Continued strength in construction, increases in the number of trucks, expansion in the manufacturing sector and positive freight trends will sustain growth through 2006 and 2007 at an annualized rate of 2%."
RMA officials say the 2.2% increase will mark the third consecutive year that shipments will have grown. In addition, shipments in 2006 are expected to increase by 300,000 units.
