2009 Was a Tough Year for Over-the-Road Tires

WASHINGTON - Over-the-Road (OTR) tire shipments in the United States fell dramatically in 2009 vs. 2008. The anti-dumping and anti-subsidiary duties imposed on OTR tire imports had something to do with it, according to Modern Tire Dealer.

Replacement civilian OTR tire shipments in 2009 totaled 185,000 units, down nearly 35 percent. Original equipment shipments didn't fare much better, dropping 29 percent to 201,000 units.

Overall OTR imports were down 28 percent - about the same percentage OTR tire imports from China were down.

OTR tire pricing also was down year to year. Prices fell anywhere from 10-20 percent, depending on the line.

The result was a decrease in replacement sales. In 2008, OTR tire shipments represented $570 million in sales; that dropped to $326 million last year.

The demand for 63-inch giant OTR tires remained high, however. Titan International Inc. began producing 63-inch radial OTR tires at its Bryan, Ohio, facility last July. The plant has the capacity to produce more than 20 giant tires a day, according to Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor.

Goodyear says it will begin production of 63-inch radial OTR tires in the fourth quarter of 2010. The tires will be produced at its Topeka, Kan., plant in at least two sizes, 59/80R63 and 53/80R63.

Modern Tire Dealer's January 2010 Facts Issue will look more closely at OTR tire shipments in 2009.