tyre.media
New Study Reveals Tyres are an important issue in Europe’s Economy
New Study Reveals Tyres are an important issue in Europe’s Economy
02 October, 2026
2
min. read
The Tyres Europe Logo
A new UK-based Oxford Economics study highlights the tyre industry’s dependence on imported materials, growing exposure to imported finished products and the need to retain advanced production and innovation capacity in Europe.
The study entitled The Critical Importance of the EU Tyre Industry identifies three principal findings:
- The economic stakes extend much further than tyre manufacturing. Sectors potentially enabled by EU-produced tyres, such as freight, agriculture and passenger transport, directly generated €1.5 trillion in GDP (9% of EU GDP) and employed 30.5 million people (13% of EU employment).
- The share of imported tyres is increasing in Europe. In 2024, 40% of newly fitted tyres used in the EU were imported.
- European tyre manufacturing is exposed at both ends of its value chain. Imported intermediate inputs account for 11.9% of EU tyre production value, compared with an EU economy average of 7%. The EU is fully dependent on imports for natural rubber.
- Adam McCarthy, Secretary General at Tyres Europe, says, “Tyres are technology-intensive products that play a critical role in vehicle and people safety. Tyres Europe believes the findings strengthen the case for an industrial strategy that recognises the value of retaining the capacity to manufacture advanced finished products in Europe. A strong EU tyre manufacturing base reduces reliance on external suppliers and helps build a more resilient, competitive automotive value chain.”
- Pete Collings, Oxford Economics Managing Director, adds, “Europe’s tyre industry is far more than a manufacturing sector: it is a critical enabler of mobility, trade and wider economic activity.
“Our analysis shows that EU-produced tyres support hundreds of billions of euros in GDP and millions of jobs across key customer sectors, while the industry itself depends on complex global supply chains. The findings underline the economic value of maintaining a strong European tyre manufacturing base.”
Tags
Have a suggestion or spotted a mistake?
Read also
Latest articles
Footprint Acquires Melco Tyre Tools
2
min. read
2
min. read
NEXEN rolls out its N’FERA Sport 2 European Summer Tyre
3
min. read
3
min. read
Westlake reflects on its New Gen II Truck Tyres at IAA
2
min. read
2
min. read
BKT to Showcase Mining Tyres at MMH 2026
2
min. read
2
min. read
Linglong Tire to invest in tyre production in Egypt
2
min. read
2
min. read
Triangle Tyre Showcases OTR Range at Le Dig Tour
2
min. read
2
min. read
tyre.media - creative tyre media
©2026 tyre.media