Tread rubber shipments increased during the second half of 2002, a trend the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) says will continue through 2004.
Shipments will grow at an average rate of 2.1% per year, according to RMA officials.
Tread rubber shipment increases during the last six months of 2002 offset a 3% tread rubber shipment decline during the first half of the year.
"Shipments of tread rubber ended 2002 less than 1% down from 2001," say RMA officials.
