Leading data and analytics company GlobalData has predicted substantial ripples across the global automotive industry owing to US Government’s announcement of 25 percent tariff on all foreign automobiles and automotive parts entering the country. Though President Donald Trump has since announced a 90-day suspension on the new tariff implementation to allow trade negotiations with partner trading countries, the report says that the situation still poses a significant challenge for the global automotive industry.

According to Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData: “The economic repercussions of these tariffs are particularly pronounced for Japan, where the automotive industry is a vital economic pillar. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), over 30 percent of Japanese car exports were directed to the US in 2023, solidifying its status as the largest single-country export market. Projections from Japan’s Ministry of Finance indicate that automotive sales accounted for approximately 30 percent of Japan's total exports to the US, valued at around JPY 6 trillion (USD 40 billion) in 2024. The looming tariffs threaten to disrupt this critical trade, compelling the Japanese government to act swiftly to negotiate favourable terms with US officials.”

South Korea too has implemented emergency steps to offset the expected financial impact of US tariffs. With plans to increase policy financing support to local manufacturers to KRW 15 trillion (roughly USD 10.09 billion) by 2025, the South Korean trade ministry has unveiled a multibillion-dollar support package that includes tax breaks, subsidies and increased financial backing for regional automakers. India is positioned to be impacted by the new tariff laws as a major supplier of automobile components to the United States. The 90-day negotiating pause is an important window of time for APAC nations to adjust to the changing nature of trade, notes the report.

The report adds that German manufacturers are expected to suffer the most as a result of the US tariffs on exports from the EU automobile sector. Prominent companies like Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen now have to make difficult choices about whether to stop shipments or pay the additional expenses associated with tariffs. As a result of US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, the EU has responded by levying a 25 percent duty on a variety of US commodities worth about EUR 22 billion. However, the EU has also halted its retaliatory tariffs until the conclusion of ongoing trade talks, in response to the US president's declaration of a 90-day postponement of tariff rises.

The report notes that this tit-for-tat strategy highlights the brittleness of global trade relationships and that a protracted trade war may lead to a negative cycle of tariffs that would hurt both economies. As a result, a solution must be found to promote a more stable environment in the automotive industry. “The US president's decision to suspend tariff increases for 90 days while negotiations unfold presents a critical opportunity for all stakeholders involved. Larger manufacturers may adapt through strategic pricing and production shifts, but smaller suppliers may face a more precarious future amid these changes. As the automotive sector increasingly focuses on domestic production to mitigate tariff impacts, the evolving landscape presents both immediate challenges and potential long-term opportunities for growth and investment,” concluded Palit.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Rubber Development Division of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Malaysia at the ANRPC Secretariat. Led by Peter Dennis of Malaysia’s Rubber Development Division, the group met with ANRPC Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong and his team.

The discussions centred on essential industry issues, particularly the vital importance of achieving stable rubber prices for the benefit of producers and the broader market. Conversations further delved into analysing recent market trends and their consequences for global production and trade dynamics.

This engagement highlighted the ongoing necessity for cooperative action to address sectoral challenges, advance sustainability and ensure resilient growth in the face of variable economic conditions.

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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled its latest flagship winter tyre, the Blizzak IcePeak, which will launch nationwide in May 2026. This new tyre is distinguished as the first from Bridgestone to achieve both the rigorous 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake and Ice Grip certifications, marking a significant advancement in winter performance. Designed to cater to a broad range of vehicles – including sedans, minivans, CUVs, SUVs and trucks – the IcePeak will replace the Blizzak WS90 and DM-V2 models. It will be available in 107 sizes, ultimately covering approximately 97 percent of the US light-duty vehicle market, with the majority of sizes ready at launch.

The tyre’s development centres on delivering superior winter traction alongside improved durability and efficiency, leveraging the company’s ENLITEN technology. This integration aims to lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy and extend tyre wear life, offering long-term cost savings for drivers. Internal testing indicates the IcePeak surpasses the wear life of its predecessors while maintaining effective traction. Its compatibility extends to conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles, emphasising its modern engineering.

Key to its performance is a suite of specialised technologies. Bridgestone’s patented MultiCell compound is engineered to enhance stopping power on ice, a claim validated by the official Ice Grip certification. This certification requires performance on ice to exceed a standard reference tyre by at least 18 percent in braking tests. For snow traction, the tyre employs optimised tread blocks and full-depth 3D sipes to create additional biting edges, helping vehicles gain grip and reduce spin.

Building upon the Blizzak lineage, which spans nearly four decades of innovation, the IcePeak introduces refined design elements. Its optimised compound is formulated for added durability across multiple winter seasons without sacrificing grip. A newly unified global tread pattern incorporates several critical features: strategically placed sipes are angled to maximise the gripping edge, protrusions on tread blocks prevent water intrusion on ice and micro-grooves help clear the thin water film that forms on icy surfaces. Together, these features aim to provide drivers with reliable control in wet, snowy and icy conditions, advancing the brand’s reputation for winter safety and performance.

Ian McKenney, Senior Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our Blizzak tyre lineup moves from strength to strength, continually raising the standard for impressive winter weather control. With the application of ENLITEN technology, we are able to expand the tyres’ performance envelope in all directions while also delivering greater durability and reduced rolling resistance, while promoting a focus on enhanced sustainability.”

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Citira, a circular tyre management provider, is introducing a nationwide emergency tyre service in Sweden for commercial fleets, a strategic move to become a comprehensive tyre management partner. Named Citira 24/7 Däckjour, it provides a dedicated contact point for heavy vehicle operators needing immediate assistance, day or night.

This service connects customers to an established, quality-assured network of professional tyre workshops across the country. By utilising pre-assembled replacement wheels ready for immediate deployment, the system ensures rapid on-site repairs to maximise vehicle uptime and minimise operational disruptions.

Clients also benefit from predictable, agreed-upon pricing and consolidated billing, which simplifies administration and enhances budget control. This integrated offering is designed to streamline daily operations, reduce downtime and deliver a more seamless support experience for truck and bus companies.

Göran Bengtsson, Head of Sales at Citira Sweden, said, “This is an important milestone for us to be to able offer our Swedish heavy vehicle fleet customers. This has been frequently requested to us, and we are happy to be able meet the demand, providing a new level of reliability and convenience for our customers.”

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Michelin has unveiled the X-Ice Snow+ tyre, a premier winter product designed to meet the heightened demands of modern, unpredictable winter weather. This new offering provides increased performance and durability over its predecessor, specifically engineered to tackle severe seasonal challenges. Its advanced FLEX-ICE 3.0 tread compound optimises braking performance across a spectrum of conditions, including ice, snow and both wet and dry roads, ensuring reliable control during freezing rain or on treacherous black ice.

The tyre's proven tread design delivers superior start-up traction in deep snow compared to three leading competitors and offers strong lateral grip for stability on slick, icy corners. Beyond immediate safety, the X-Ice Snow+ is built for long-term value and efficiency. It achieves an extended tread life, lasting more than 26 percent longer than key rival tyres. Furthermore, through a specialised low-energy-loss compound that minimises rolling resistance, it delivers up to 34 percent better efficiency, which supports fuel savings and extends electric vehicle range without sacrificing winter traction. Passenger comfort is enhanced by proprietary Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology, a system engineered to reduce road noise for a quieter ride.

Available for dealer order starting in May 2026 for the winter selling season, the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ tyre will be produced in 15- to 23-inch sizes to accommodate a broad range of vehicles, including sedans, CUVs, SUVs, pickups and both hybrid and electric models.

Omer Waysman, Vice President – B2C Marketing, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “For more than 130 years, Michelin has continued to push the boundaries of innovation by improving our technologies to meet the needs of mobility across the globe. With the new Michelin X-Ice Snow+ tyre, we have taken everything drivers loved about the previous generation tyre and improved key areas. This new tyre delivers excellent winter performance, longer-lasting durability and greater efficiency, giving drivers a dependable advantage when the weather is at its worst.”

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