South Africa Tyre Market Overview, 2029

The South African tire market has evolved significantly over the years, driven by a combination of automotive industry growth, increasing vehicle ownership, and the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities. Historically, South Africa's tire industry has been shaped by its robust automotive manufacturing base. The country is home to several international tire manufacturers like Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Continental, which have established production facilities in key regions such as Gauteng and Port Elizabeth. This presence not only supports local demand but also positions South Africa as a significant exporter of tires to other African markets and beyond. The demand for tires in South Africa is closely linked to various sectors including mining and agriculture, which require specialized and durable tires for heavy machinery operating in challenging terrains. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has led to increased use of two-wheelers for delivery services, further driving demand for two-wheeler tires. The expanding middle class in South Africa is also contributing to this growth by increasing vehicle ownership rates and shifting consumer preferences towards higher quality tires. Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and the penetration of unsafe or used tires. Moreover, the economic landscape can impact consumer behavior; for instance, during economic downturns, there may be a shift towards cheaper alternatives like retreaded tires. Nevertheless, government initiatives aimed at boosting local manufacturing and foreign investment are expected to enhance market conditions.

According to the research report "South Africa Tyre Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Tyre market is anticipated to grow at more than 9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. As the largest automotive market in Africa, South Africa's demand for tires is further bolstered by population growth and urbanization, necessitating a diverse range of tire types to cater to various climatic conditions and vehicle requirements. Key players in the South African tire market include major global manufacturers such as Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, and Sumitomo Rubber, all of which have established production facilities in the country. Their presence not only enhances local production capabilities but also positions South Africa as a strategic hub for tire exports within the African continent. The market is also witnessing an influx of budget-friendly Chinese tires, which have increased competition and provided consumers with more options. This trend is indicative of a broader shift towards cost-effective solutions amidst rising living costs. Recent developments globally are influencing local trends, particularly in the areas of sustainability and technology. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and smart tire technologies that enhance fuel efficiency and safety. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce has transformed distribution channels; online platforms for tire sales are gaining popularity due to their convenience and competitive pricing, reflecting changing consumer preferences. The mining and agricultural sectors are also significant contributors to tire demand in South Africa. The expansion of these industries necessitates specialized tires capable of handling demanding conditions, further driving innovation in tire design and technology.

Passenger Car Tires dominate the market, driven by high private vehicle ownership and a robust second-hand car market. As more individuals rely on cars for daily commuting, the demand for replacement tires grows significantly. The increasing preference for premium vehicles among the expanding middle class further fuels this segment, necessitating high-quality tires that ensure safety and performance. Commercial Light Vehicle Tires cater to smaller commercial vehicles such as vans and light trucks. This segment has seen growth due to the rise in e-commerce and delivery services, which require efficient logistics solutions. The demand for these tires is supported by an increase in urbanization and the need for reliable transportation in both goods delivery and passenger services. Commercial Heavy Vehicle Tires are essential for larger trucks and buses used primarily in freight transport and public transport sectors. The ongoing expansion of infrastructure projects and mining activities in South Africa drives demand for heavy-duty tires that can withstand rigorous operating conditions. As construction and mining sectors grow, so does the need for specialized tires designed for durability and traction. Two-Wheeler Tires represent a significant segment, particularly with the increasing popularity of motorcycles and scooters among urban commuters. The rise of shared mobility services has also contributed to this demand, as more consumers opt for two-wheelers for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, electric scooters are gaining traction, further enhancing the market potential for two-wheeler tires. Three-Wheeler and Other Tires, while a smaller segment, cater to specific needs such as tuk-tuks and other utility vehicles commonly used in rural areas. These vehicles are vital for local transport and commerce, especially in regions where road conditions may be challenging.

Radial tires are distinguished by their construction, where the tire's cord plies are arranged at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel. This design allows for greater flexibility in the sidewalls, which enhances the tire's ability to absorb shocks from the road. In South Africa, radial tires have become the preferred choice for both passenger vehicles and commercial applications. The increasing demand for high-performance tires among consumers is driving manufacturers to innovate continuously. For instance, companies are developing eco-friendly radial tires made from sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance standards. The demand for radial tires in South Africa is closely linked to the growth of the automotive industry. As vehicle ownership rises—particularly among the middle class—there is a corresponding increase in the need for quality replacement tires. Bias ply tires feature layers of fabric plies that are laid at angles across each other, creating a sturdier construction. Manufacturers are exploring new materials and construction techniques that improve heat dissipation and reduce rolling resistance. Additionally, there is a niche market for retrofitting older vehicles with bias ply tires that meet specific performance standards.

OEM Tires are supplied directly to vehicle manufacturers for new vehicle assembly. This segment is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rapid increase in vehicle sales and the continuous upgrading of automotive technologies. Major automotive manufacturers in South Africa, such as BMW, Ford, and Toyota, rely on OEM tires to ensure that their vehicles meet safety and performance standards. The demand for OEM tires is further supported by favorable government policies that promote local manufacturing and the establishment of production units by prominent tire companies like Bridgestone and Goodyear within the country. These initiatives not only enhance supply chain efficiency but also ensure that OEMs can provide high-quality tires tailored to specific vehicle models. Replacement Tires, on the other hand, cater to consumers who need to replace worn-out or damaged tires on their vehicles. This segment is fueled by the high rate of vehicle ownership in South Africa, particularly within the growing middle class that seeks reliable and durable tire options. The replacement market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including budget-friendly options from Chinese manufacturers and premium offerings from established brands like Michelin and Continental. Consumers often prioritize factors such as performance, safety, and price when selecting replacement tires. The distribution channels for both segments include multi-brand distributors, single-brand distributors, and increasingly popular online platforms. Multi-brand distributors offer a wide selection of tires from various manufacturers, allowing consumers to compare options easily. Single-brand distributors focus on specific brands, providing specialized knowledge and customer service for those loyal to particular tire manufacturers. The rise of e-commerce has transformed the purchasing landscape; online platforms enable consumers to browse extensive product ranges, read reviews, and purchase tires conveniently from home. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences toward digital shopping experiences.

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: South Africa
• 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.

Make this report your own

Have queries/questions regarding a report

Take advantage of intelligence tailored to your business objective

Ask an Expert

Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now