Nokian Announces First Half Results
North America was a significant contributor to Nokian Tyres’ first half performance.
In that region, Nokian posted sales of around $176.5 million during the first six months of 2025, up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. Globally, Nokian posted first half sales of $401.8 million, a gain of nearly 7% year-over-year.
The Finland-based company generated segment operating profit of around $30.7 million during the first half of 2025, up 30.6% versus the same period in 2024.
Increases were driven “by higher passenger car tire sales, price increases implemented in the first quarter and lower manufacturing and supply chain costs,” according to Nokian officials.
CEO commentary
“Nokian Tyres’ business developed favorably in the second quarter,” says Paolo Pompei, the company’s CEO. “Net sales increased by 7%, supported by positive contributions from all business units. Our passenger car tires segment outperformed the market, and we strengthened our position across all regions.
"The group’s segments operating profit improved significantly. As outlined in our Q1 report, we have accelerated our efforts to enhance financial performance. It is encouraging to see early positive results from these actions.
"We introduced price and product mix adjustments to offset increased raw material costs and to gradually strengthen our position in Central Europe and North America. Since the beginning of the year, we have implemented several operational initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, increasing productivity and strengthening cash management across the organization. We expect these measures to continue delivering results throughout the rest of 2025 and into 2026.” (Click here to read a recent MTD interview with Pompei.)
Full-year guidance
Nokian expects its net sales to grow and “segment operating profit, as a percentage of net sales, to improve” versus prior-year levels during the rest of 2025.
"Tire demand in Nokian Tyres’ markets is expected to remain at the previous year’s levels,” though “geopolitical, trade and tariff uncertainties may cause volatility to the company’s business environment.”
Sales growth projections are based on boosting capacity at Nokian’s plants in the United States and Romania, as well as availability of “finished goods inventories.”
The Romania plant shipped its first batch of tires in March 2025 and commercial tire deliveries from the factory began in the second quarter. The facility is expected to produce one million tires in 2025.
A "gradual production ramp-up" will continue until the plant reaches its full capacity of six million tires a year, which is expected to occur by the end of 2027.