WASHINGTON - Year to-year replacement truck tire shipments in the United States dropped 19.3 percent in 2009, according to the latest Modern Tire Dealer Facts Issue.

Shipments were an estimated 12.5 million units, 3 million less than in 2008. Overall, replacement medium and heavy truck tire shipment sales totaled $4.2 billion.

The drop in original equipment shipments was even steeper: 51.1%, from 4.3 million units to 2.1 million units.

Since 2006, replacement and OE truck tire shipments have trended steadily downward.

Truck tire shipments in the U.S., 2006-2009

Year     Replacement         OE

2006    17.6                      7.1

2007    16.7                      5.0   

2008    15.5                      4.3

2009    12.5                      2.1

Since 2006, domestic replacement and OE truck tire shipments have decreased 29 percent and 70.4 percent, respectively.

The Modern Tire Dealer Facts Issue also breaks down the farm and OTR tire markets, plus retreading and more. Look for it in January!