East Money Securities·2025-10-24 11:01Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for the tire industry, indicating a positive outlook for growth and recovery in demand [2]. Core Insights - The tire industry is experiencing a recovery in demand, particularly for steel tires, driven by seasonal factors and improved logistics needs. Several companies have announced price increases of approximately 2%-5% starting in October, which is expected to stimulate replenishment demand from downstream manufacturers [3][2]. - The report highlights the stability in raw material prices, with natural rubber entering its traditional peak season, potentially leading to price increases. The overall raw material price index for tires is at a historical low, indicating a favorable cost environment for manufacturers [11][12]. - The production side shows a month-on-month increase in domestic tire production, with stable operating rates for both steel and semi-steel tires. The average operating rate for the steel tire industry in September was 64.95%, reflecting a slight increase [37][40]. - Export dynamics reveal a decrease in domestic tire exports, while Vietnam's rubber product exports to the U.S. have surged significantly, indicating a shift in competitive dynamics in the region [46][51]. - Demand trends indicate a stable semi-steel market, with expectations for a recovery in steel tire demand, particularly in the heavy truck segment, supported by favorable government policies and logistics demand [58][63]. Summary by Sections Cost Side - Natural rubber prices are expected to rise due to seasonal demand, while other material prices remain stable. The price index for tire raw materials is at 90.12, which is 4% lower than historical averages since 2021 [11][12]. - The average price of natural rubber in September was $1839.57 per ton, showing a month-on-month increase of 2.06% but a year-on-year decrease of 6.77% [12][11]. Production Side - In August 2025, China's rubber tire production reached 109.35 million units, a month-on-month increase of 15.78% but a year-on-year decrease of 11.44% [37][40]. - The average operating rate for semi-steel tires was 71.23% in September, reflecting a slight increase from the previous month [37][40]. Export Side - In August, China exported 62.99 million new inflatable rubber tires, a year-on-year increase of 1.84% but a month-on-month decrease of 5.51% [46][48]. - Vietnam's rubber product exports to the U.S. in September reached $0.49 billion, a year-on-year increase of 43% [51][52]. Demand Side - The global demand for passenger car and light truck tires showed a slight decline, while the replacement market remains stable, particularly in North America and Europe [58][59]. - Heavy truck sales in China reached approximately 105,000 units in September, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 82%, indicating a recovery in the heavy truck segment [63][64].