It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.
Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.
Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.
The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.
The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.
The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.
The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:
• Political Globalisation
• Social Globalisation
• Economic Globalisation
• Technological Globalisation
• Financial Globalisation
• Cultural Globalisation
• Economic Globalisation
• Geographical Globalisation
My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.
Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.
Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long, built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.
On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.
The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.
The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance of mankind.
A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.
The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.
“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”
“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)
Nokian Tyres Ranks 29th On Financial Times’ Europe’s Climate Leaders List
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
Nokian Tyres has once again secured a position on the Financial Times’ Europe’s Climate Leaders list, maintaining a perfect record since the ranking first launched in 2021. The annual recognition, compiled jointly by the Financial Times and research firm Statista, evaluates data from approximately 3,000 European companies. Being featured highlights the Finnish tyre manufacturer’s measurable advancements in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Out of 600 companies selected across all industries for their five-year emission reduction progress, Nokian Tyres placed 29th overall. Within the automobiles and components sector, only one other firm joined it in the top 100, and Nokian Tyres emerged as the highest-ranking tyre manufacturer on the entire list. The company’s strong performance underscores its leadership within its specific industry segment.
ductions in both absolute greenhouse gas emissions and emissions intensity, alongside broader climate commitments and collaboration with external sustainability assessors such as CDP and the Science Based Targets initiative. These combined criteria determine the final order of Europe’s most climate-progressive companies.
Susanna Tusa, VP – Public Affairs and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “From using mostly renewable energy to building the world’s first full‑scale zero‑CO₂‑emissions tyre factory, our climate actions help pave the way for more sustainable mobility. We want to offer drivers safe, high‑quality tyres that are made with continuously lower environmental impact as we continue moving towards net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions. This ranking by the Financial Times is a great recognition of our work.”
Indian Tyre Exports Hit Record INR 273 Billion In FY2025-26
- By Sharad Matade
- June 03, 2026
Indian tyre exports reached a record INR 273.12 billion in FY2025-26, rising 9 per cent from INR 250.57 billion in the previous financial year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce.
The increase marks the second consecutive year of 9 percent growth in tyre exports, highlighting the industry's ability to sustain overseas demand despite geopolitical uncertainty and slower global economic growth.
The United States remained the largest export market for Indian tyres, accounting for 15 percent of total export value at INR 40.82 billion during FY2025-26. However, its share declined from 17 per cent a year earlier after the US administration increased tariffs on Indian tyre imports from 25 per cent to 50 per cent in August 2025.
The higher tariffs reduced the competitiveness of Indian tyres against products from countries benefiting from lower trade barriers. In February 2026, the US reduced tariffs on most Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, providing some relief to exporters.
Arun Mammen, chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association, said the industry had delivered strong export performance despite disruption to global supply chains, higher logistics costs and trade uncertainty across key markets.
Through market diversification, cost optimisation and policy support, Indian tyre manufacturers-maintained export momentum during the year.
After the US, the leading export destinations for Indian tyres were Germany, which accounted for 7 percent of exports, followed by Italy and Brazil at 5 per cent each, and France at 4 percent. Indian tyres are now exported to more than 170 countries.
"The tyre industry has exhibited remarkable resilience and growth in the post-pandemic period. Over the last four to five years, tyre manufacturers have invested approximately INR 300 billion across greenfield and brownfield projects, reflecting strong confidence in India's long-term economic prospects and its emergence as a global manufacturing hub" added Mammen.
India's tyre industry has an estimated annual turnover of about INR 1 trillion, with exports accounting for more than one-quarter of total industry turnover.
The industry said geopolitical developments, including the West Asia crisis, continued to pose challenges through supply chain disruption, higher energy costs and inflationary pressure. However, manufacturers remain optimistic about long-term export prospects, supported by trade agreements and deeper integration into global value chains.
"As global supply chains continue to evolve, India is increasingly being recognised as a reliable sourcing destination for high-quality tyres. Supported by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and favourable trade engagements, the Indian tyre industry is well positioned to strengthen its role in global markets in the years ahead," added Mammen.
NEXEN TIRE Launches N’FERA Primus UX For Asia-Pacific And Middle East Markets
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
NEXEN TIRE has introduced its latest ultra-high-performance tyre, the N’FERA Primus UX, following a domestic launch in Korea on 1 June. The tyre is now entering the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets, signalling the company’s full push into the global replacement tire sector.
Built under the One Universal Fit strategy, the N’FERA Primus UX delivers a 20 percent gain in tread wear performance compared to its predecessor. It is engineered for electric vehicles, internal combustion engine cars and SUVs alike and carries NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary EV ROOT certification mark to guarantee balanced performance across powertrain types.
Performance enhancements include strengthened reinforcement for improved high-speed stability, an expanded contact patch for better driving control and an optimised tread block design that reduces road noise. The tyre also features a new advanced-material compound that lowers energy loss to extend tread life. An aerodynamic sidewall design cuts air resistance, boosting fuel economy for ICE vehicles and maximising range for EVs.
Development relied on NEXEN TIRE’s AI and virtual simulation capabilities, including an AI-powered performance prediction system and a high-dynamic driving simulator. This marked the first time such simulation tools were used in the domestic automotive industry, allowing the company to mathematically model real-world driving conditions and accelerate measurement while raising development efficiency.
John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "The N'FERA Primus UX is designed to deliver optimal performance regardless of vehicle type, in line with the demands of the EV era. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our global product lineup based on our 'One Universal Fit' strategy to expand our presence in international markets."
ZC Rubber Organises 2026 Partner Match Day At Emirates Stadium
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
ZC Rubber recently orchestrated a unique brand activation at Emirates Stadium, hosting its Partner Match Day: Emirates Stadium Experience on 24 May. The gathering occurred shortly after Arsenal’s coronation as 2025/26 Premier League champions, amplifying the electric atmosphere for attending partners, industry media and Arsenal collaborators.
Instead of a passive viewing experience, guests from the ZC Rubber family – including WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE and TIANLI – along with representatives from Stapletons Tyre Service, International Tyres, City 1st Tyres and ADR UK Tyremart, stepped onto the pitch for a competitive 90-minute tournament. Following two mini leagues and a climactic final showdown, City 1st Tyres secured the champion’s trophy before enjoying post-match hospitality inside the stadium.
As the Official Global Tyre Partner of Arsenal FC, ZC Rubber designed the event to deepen ties within its international partner network. The day demonstrated a clear strategy of merging sport with relationship-building, creating memorable connections for global audiences.
Andrew Reitzner, UK National Manager, ZC Rubber, said, “Partner Match Day was a fantastic opportunity to bring some of our partners and media friends together in a truly unique environment. Playing at Emirates Stadium is something many football fans dream of, and it was great to share that experience with the people who continue to support and grow with ZC Rubber. For us, that is what this event is about – teamwork, shared experience and the spirit of partnership behind ZC Rubber’s brands.”
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