China Tyre Market Overview, 2029

The China tyre market has evolved significantly over the decades, becoming one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. Historically, the development of the tyre industry in China can be traced back to the 1950s, when the country began to establish its manufacturing capabilities. Early production was primarily focused on meeting the needs of domestic vehicles, with state-owned enterprises leading the charge. However, the market began to shift in the 1980s and 1990s as China opened its economy to foreign investments and global trade, allowing international companies to enter the market and local firms to modernize their production techniques. As China's economy grew, so did the demand for automobiles, driving a corresponding surge in tyre production. By the early 2000s, China had not only become the world's largest producer of tyres but also a key player in the global market, exporting significant volumes to various regions. This rapid growth was supported by a combination of factors, including increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and an expanding middle class, all of which contributed to higher vehicle ownership rates. The tyre market in China is characterized by a diverse range of products, catering to various segments such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and specialty tyres. Domestic manufacturers, including brands like Linglong and Double Coin, have emerged alongside international giants like Michelin and Bridgestone, resulting in a highly competitive landscape. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and advancements in technology have further influenced the market, leading to increased demand for eco-friendly tyres that support sustainability initiatives.



According to the research report "China Tyre Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the China Tyre market is anticipated to grow at more than 7% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The growth of the China tyre market has been remarkable, solidifying its position as a global leader in tyre production and consumption. In recent years, the market has expanded due to increasing vehicle ownership, urbanization, and the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). As of 2023, China accounts for a significant share of the world's tyre production, supported by robust domestic demand and growing exports. Key players in this market include both domestic giants like Zhongce Rubber Group, Linglong Tire, and Doublestar, as well as international companies such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear. These companies are constantly innovating to meet the evolving demands of consumers, particularly in terms of performance, durability, and sustainability. A notable trend in the Chinese tyre market is the increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly products. As consumers become more aware of sustainability issues, manufacturers are investing in the development of green tyres, which feature reduced rolling resistance and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the rise of EVs has prompted tyre producers to develop specialised products tailored to the unique requirements of electric vehicles, such as lower weight and enhanced grip. The ongoing transition towards sustainability and the circular economy is prompting Chinese manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies in tyre production, including smart tyres equipped with sensors that monitor performance and safety in real time. This technological shift aligns with global trends aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and performance.



The Chinese tyre market is segmented into various categories, each reflecting distinct developments and demand dynamics. The passenger car tyre segment is the largest, driven by the increasing vehicle ownership among the burgeoning middle class. This segment is witnessing a shift towards high-performance and eco-friendly tyres, as consumers prioritize safety and fuel efficiency. Light commercial vehicle tyres cater to a growing logistics sector, essential for urban transportation and e-commerce. As online shopping rises, the demand for light trucks and vans has surged, leading manufacturers to develop specialised tyres that enhance load capacity while maintaining fuel efficiency. The focus on durability and longevity is critical in this segment, reflecting the high usage rates of commercial vehicles. Heavy commercial vehicle tyres support the backbone of China’s industrial and freight transport sectors. With the country’s extensive infrastructure projects and increasing freight demands, there’s a growing need for robust, high-capacity tyres that can withstand harsh conditions. Developments in this segment include advancements in materials that improve durability and reduce wear, catering to the demands of long-haul transportation. The two-wheeler tyre segment has also seen substantial growth, fueled by the popularity of scooters and motorcycles, especially in urban areas. This segment is characterized by a demand for lightweight and high-grip tyres, which enhance safety and maneuverability in congested traffic. The three-wheeler and other vehicle segments, including electric scooters and recreational vehicles, are gaining traction as alternative transportation modes become popular. With the shift towards electrification, manufacturers are innovating tyres that are lightweight and energy-efficient, responding to the changing landscape of urban mobility.



Radial tyres have become the predominant choice in the passenger car and commercial vehicle segments due to their superior performance characteristics. The radial design features steel belts that run perpendicular to the direction of travel, allowing for better flexibility in the sidewall while maintaining a rigid tread. This design leads to reduced rolling resistance, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced handling and stability, particularly at high speeds.In China, the demand for radial tyres has surged as consumers increasingly prioritize safety, performance, and fuel economy. To cater to this growing market, manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to innovate and improve radial tyre technology. Key initiatives include the development of advanced rubber compounds that enhance grip, reduce wear, and increase lifespan. Bias ply tyres, while less common in passenger vehicles, still hold a significant place in specific applications, particularly in commercial and agricultural vehicles. This design features layers of fabric that crisscross at angles, creating a sturdy construction that can handle heavy loads. Bias ply tyres are often praised for their durability and ability to perform well under extreme conditions, making them suitable for off-road and heavy-duty applications. In the Chinese market, bias ply tyres have seen renewed interest as manufacturers develop more robust options to meet the needs of construction, mining, and agricultural sectors. Innovations in this segment focus on enhancing tread patterns and materials to improve traction and resistance to punctures.



In the Chinese tyre market, the end-user segments are primarily classified into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and replacement tyres. The OEM segment caters to vehicle manufacturers that require tyres to be fitted on new vehicles before they leave the production line. This segment is driven by the robust growth of the automotive industry in China, which has seen a surge in both domestic and foreign car production. Leading tyre manufacturers often partner with major automakers, providing them with tyres that meet specific performance and safety standards. This collaboration not only enhances brand visibility but also establishes long-term relationships with vehicle manufacturers. On the other hand, the replacement tyre segment serves consumers seeking to replace worn or damaged tyres on their existing vehicles. This segment is increasingly important as the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, driven by rising disposable incomes and urbanization. Replacement tyres are sold through various distribution channels, including traditional retail outlets, online platforms, and service centers. E-commerce has gained significant traction in recent years, with platforms offering competitive pricing and convenient purchasing options, appealing particularly to younger consumers. Additionally, tire service centers and auto repair shops play a crucial role in this segment, providing not just sales but also installation and maintenance services.



COVID-19 Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic affected almost every industry vertical across the globe and the tire market in the region of North America was no exception. The enforcement of lockdowns along with the travel restrictions across countries significantly affect the tire market. The situation of lockdowns caused production in the automobile industry to stop which affected the demand from the OEM sector. On the other hand the market was also observing decline from the replacement sector during the pandemic as the requirement for new tires declined.



Key Players

Apollo Tires, Bridgestone, CEAT Tires, Continental, Giti, Goodyears Tires, Hankook, JK tires, Kenda Kumho, Maxxis International, Michelin, MRF, Nexen Tire Corp, Nokian Tires, Pirelli, Sailun Group Co., Ltd, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Titan International , Toyo Tire Corporation, Triangle Tire Co, Zhongce Rubber Group Co, Yokohama, Doublestar Tire, Linglong, Nankang



Considered in the report

• Geography: China

• Base Year: 2023

• Historical year: 2018

• Forecasted Year: 2029



Aspects covered in the report

• Market Size by Value (2018-2029F)

• Market Size by Volume (2018-2029F)

• Market Share by Vehicle Type

• Market Share by End Use

• Market Share by Design

• Market Share by Sales Channel

• Market Share by Country



The approach of the report:

We keep an eye on evolving markets and try to evaluate the potential of the products and services. If we find the market interesting, we start working on it and create the desired table of content, considering all aspects of the business. We start by creating separate questionnaires for C-level executives, national/regional sales personnel, company owners, dealers, distributors, and end-users. Once the questionnaires have been finalized, we start collecting the primary data (mostly through phone calls) and try to understand the market dynamics regionally or tier-wise. This process gives us in-depth details of the market, including all present companies, the top-performing products with reasons why they dominate; we get the details of new players and their innovative approaches; market trends; dynamics; and all the small details of the market. After the collection of primary inputs, we then cross-check the same with secondary sources that include associations, trade journals, annual reports, paid databases, newspapers, magazines, press releases, government sources, etc. From this, we get a rough estimate of the market and start checking existing product price variants, trade, production, raw material scenarios, policies and regulatory landscape, etc. Then, to finalize the market, we start collecting financials of each player present in the market, including limited, private limited, and LLPs. Moreover, we perform cross-industry and cross-region analysis of the product, and based on collected primary inputs and using statistical modeling, we start forecasting the market. We follow our forecasting algorithm, which is unique for each product but gives more weight age to primary inputs. At the same time, the content team starts preparing company profiles, market dynamics, market trends, five forces, PEST analysis, etc. Once the data is verified by the data expert, the team (primary team, content team, and data team) together crosscheck the segmentations, validate the market, and then the designing team starts plotting the graphs. Once the file is ready, the content team completes the report and makes sure that all the discussed points have been covered and provides their valuable inputs in the form of strategic recommendations for new as well as existing players. The QC team then checks the overall report that includes spell check, data verification, and makes the same dispatch ready and error-free.



Intended Audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Automotive and Transport industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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