I think the tire industry is going through another major transformation. Since I started analysing this industry in the late 1980s I’ve seen only two or maybe three such large-scale transformations. To give you an idea of the scale of transformation I am talking about, think of the switch from bias-ply to radial construction in
In the evening (US time) of 29 January, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) formally announced its decision to investigate allegations of dumping of China-made truck tires and a separate allegation of unfair subsidies. These could result in anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties respectively. Late last night in the US, the ITC posted a timetable
A perfect storm of negative conditions is driving huge changes in China’s tire industry, causing a meltdown in profitability and output among Chinese tire makers. Desperate Chinese tire makers are driving sharp price falls in almost every tire market and simultaneously forcing down prices of raw materials, notably natural and synthetic rubber. In dollar terms,
Apollo Tyres is to buy Cooper Tire and Rubber. The cash purchase price is around USD2.5 billion (USD 2,500,000,000). That’s about 60 percent of annual sales. Quite a low price for this kind of deal. Apollo statement | Cooper statement My own view is that Apollo has done well to finally negotiate this one. I
Tire manufacturing in Europe is going through something of a crisis. In January Goodyear announced the closure of its factory in Amiens-North. Last month Bridgestone announced the closure of its factory in Bari, Italy. None of this has provoked much debate Rumours that Michelin will reduce its output, however have triggered a string of comment
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