2025-09-17 14:59Tire Industry Research Summary Industry Overview - The tire industry is expected to see improvements in fundamentals in the second half of 2025, with confidence in orders and profitability. Leading companies show stronger performance resilience, particularly those with a higher proportion of all-steel tires, while semi-steel tires are more affected by tax increases [1][3]. - The U.S. market's trade risks have largely passed, while the EU market is expected to be favorable for the industry in the medium term, aiding in the optimization of industry structure. Attention is recommended for leading companies that have successfully expanded overseas [1][5]. Demand and Supply Dynamics - Overall tire demand is projected to grow in the first half of 2025, with a notable increase in the semi-steel replacement market and strong support from the all-steel replacement market, although the original equipment market is expected to slow down [1][2][6]. - The export of passenger car tires is expected to remain flat, while truck and bus tire exports are projected to increase by 2%. Despite trade policy restrictions, truck and bus tire exports have reached record highs, primarily to Asia, Africa, and South America [1][8][9]. Import and Export Trends - The U.S. market shows a strong dependency on imported tires, with a slight increase in passenger car tire imports and a more than 10% increase in truck and bus tire imports in the first half of 2025. Major import sources include Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia [11][12][13]. - The EU's anti-dumping policies are anticipated to impact passenger car tire exports to Europe, with a projected decline following the May 2025 anti-dumping application [10]. Financial Performance and Profitability - Raw material prices are expected to rebound in the third quarter of 2025, with companies having low-cost inventory from the second quarter, which may lead to profit recovery. However, the first half of 2025 saw a decline in profitability due to high raw material prices and tariffs [4][14]. - The tire sector's revenue grew by 10% year-on-year, but net profit fell by 30% due to high raw material costs and unexpected tariff events [15][21]. Company Performance Insights - Leading companies like Sailun, Zhongce, and Linglong have shown strong sales performance, with Sailun achieving a record high in quarterly sales, growing by 10% year-on-year [17][21]. - Despite the overall industry pressure on profit margins, some companies like Guirun have demonstrated better-than-expected operational management [19][20]. Globalization and Market Positioning - Leading tire companies have significant advantages in global layout, with established operations in Southeast Asia and plans for expansion into regions like Mexico, Morocco, and Brazil [22][25]. - The importance of overseas business is highlighted by Sailun's overseas revenue growth of 19% in the first half of 2025, indicating a robust international presence [23]. Future Outlook - The tire industry, while facing challenges, is expected to continue growing due to its large market size and strong demand support. Leading companies are likely to enhance their market share through globalization and operational efficiency improvements [27][28]. - The third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be a peak season for the replacement market, with demand support expected to strengthen [28]. Recommendations - Focus on leading companies such as Sailun and Zhongce, as well as others like Senking, Linglong, and General, for potential performance recovery opportunities in the face of international trade policy changes [31][32][33].