2001 Tread Rubber Shipments Improved in Second Half

Washington, DC - Shipments of the tread rubber used to produce retreaded tires showed strength in the second half of 2001, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. This positive trend is expected to continue through 2003.

According to the Tread Rubber Market Analysis Committee's forecast for 2001, shipments will end the year 5.1% below 2000. A correction in tire inventories during the second half of this year and better economic conditions in 2002 and 2003 will result in positive growth for both years. Growth from 2001 to 2003 will average 2% per year.

Over 20 million retreaded tires will be sold in the United States in 2001, with sales totaling more than $1.5 billion. Retreaded tires are used by commercial aviation, commercial trucks, school buses, and off-the-road vehicles such as industrial, agricultural and mining equipment.