Related: Tire Maintenance: It's Not Just Checking Tire Pressure
Truck Tire Production Projected to Rise in the Next Five Years
Remember how the tire market was doing in the first quarter of this year? No? I’m guessing that is the result of selective memory. It was pretty slow, and that is an understatement.
by Bob Ulrich
December 28, 2017
Ding Yuhua (right), Triangle Tire chairman, talks with Tony Copeland, North Carolina Dept. of Commerce secretary (center) and Phil Berger, state senator. Triangle Tire USA VP of Sales Rick Phillips and CEO Manny Cicero are in the background behind Ding.
2 min to read
For any commercial truck tire dealers and manufacturers, remember the first quarter of this year? No? I’m guessing that is the result of selective memory. It was pretty slow, and that is an understatement.
Market demand has picked up since then, to the point where shipments in the U.S. will be higher this year compared to last year. Much higher.
The turnaround may have started when the International Trade Commission voted against imposing tariffs on truck and bus tires manufactured in China and imported into the U.S. last February. But increased imports from China wouldn’t increase shipments if not for demand.
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) predicts domestic replacement truck tire shipments will finish 2017 at 19.4 million units, not only a 4.3% increase over last year, but also a record.
New players are taking notice. The Dec. 19, 2017 announcement by Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd. to build a new consumer tire plant in Edgecombe County, N.C., will lead to two plants built in two phases. The first is consumer tire production. The second, to be completed by 2023, is a truck tire plant, to be built next to the first facility.
The importance of Phase Two is not surprising. Earlier this year, Triangle Tire USA hired Rick Phillips away from Yokohama Tire Corp. to be its vice president of sales. Phillips was instrumental in the building of Yokohama's new commercial truck tire plant in West Point, Miss.
When Hankook Tire America Corp. held the grand opening of its consumer tire plant in Clarksville, Tenn., in October, future medium truck tire production was mentioned to me as a possibility by more than one Hankook employee (although Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. CEO Seung Hwa Suh said the company is not looking beyond the first two phases, which center on consumer tire production).
USTMA also estimates domestic original equipment truck tire shipments will be up 8% this year. With overall demand for truck tires at an all-time high, maybe we’ll see more manufacturers building truck tire plants in the U.S.
Editor's note: Bob Ulrich is the editor of Modern Tire Dealer, a sister publication of Work Truck.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Safety
5 Safe Driving Tips for 4th of July
To ensure that this year’s fireworks remain in the sky and not on the roadway, follow these five easy steps to remain safe on the road this year – shared directly from a truck driver.
Read More →
NSC Marks 30 Years of National Safety Month, Includes Road Safety Focus
The Staying Safe on the Roads topic is one of four weekly focuses in June as the National Safety Council observes the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month. NSC also provides insights on the need for fleets to create a safety policy.
Read More →
Fleetworthy Integrates Lytx Video Snapshots to Improve Driver Coaching
Fleetworthy’s integration of Lytx video snapshots enables fleet managers to combine visual event evidence with Safety+ risk data, helping them make faster, more informed coaching decisions without leaving the Fleetworthy platform.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in June 2026
In June 2026, what recalls might impact your fleet? Work Truck has the answers in this comprehensive overview of recent NHTSA recalls.
Read More →
J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year Awards Nominations Now Open
J. J. Keller & Associates is accepting nominations for the 2026 J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Awards. Winners will receive prize packages valued at up to $47,200.
Read More →
ASE Aligns Automotive Service Professionals Month With Spring and Fall Vehicle Maintenance Campaigns
ASE will move Automotive Service Professionals Month to April and October beginning in 2026-2027, aligning recognition with Car Care Month events.
Read More →
Sponsored•June 1, 2026
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Driver Retention: Motive Automates Driver Coaching & Driver Rewards
New automated rewards and recognition capabilities from Motive can help organizations engage drivers, reinforce positive behavior, and reduce turnover. AI Coach has also been updated to deliver personalized feedback across safety, fuel, and compliance.
Read More →
Experts Forecast Broader Impact of Wildfires in 2026
This year’s wildfire season will likely be more intense than in 2025. The 2026 wildfire forecast from AccuWeather is for fewer fires, but even more acreage will be impacted this year.
Read More →
A Walkthrough of the DataQs Process
Bad data on your carrier record can cost you. Here’s how DataQs helps fleets challenge errors before they hit CSA scores, insurance, and your bottom line.
Read More →