Passenger and Truck Tire Shipments Set Records in 2017
The domestic tire industry reached two milestones in 2017. Replacement passenger tire shipments totaled 208.3 million units, the most ever. And replacement truck tire shipments totaled 19.2 million units, also a record high. (According to U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association preliminary figures, the totals will be 209.4 million and 19.4 million, respectively.)
Replacement light truck tire shipments reached their high-water mark last year.
The record passenger tire shipment number was especially surprising given the 35.6% drop in consumer tire imports from China. There also was a 20.5% drop in truck tire imports from China.
Original equipment shipments were down, up and up. Passenger units were down close to 5%, perhaps due in part to the disappearing spare. The American Automobile Association says 28% of the 2017 model-year vehicles came without spare tires. Temporary spares also are not counted in the shipments.
In contrast, light truck units were up 10%, and truck tire shipments were up 7.5%.
