The GST Council’s 56th meeting delivered major relief for India’s tyre industry, slashing rates on new pneumatic tyres to tractor tyres. The move, aimed at reducing input costs and supporting rural demand, has been welcomed by manufacturers, though retreaders caution the reforms risk sidelining sustainability.

Sharad Matade and Gaurav Nandi

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, in its 56th meeting, lowered the GST rates on a range of tyre and rubber products on Thursday, in a move aimed at easing input costs for the farming community and providing a much-needed relief to the domestic tyre manufacturing sector. 

The decision, taken by the GST Council, reflects the government’s strategy of supporting rural demand while simultaneously addressing industry grievances over high taxation and duty anomalies.  

One of the headline changes is the reduction of GST on latex rubber thread, which has been cut from 12 percent to 5 percent. Similarly, tyres and tubes used in tractors, a critical expense for farmers, have seen their GST rates slashed from 18 percent to just 5 per cent. 

Rear tractor tyres and their corresponding tubes, along with tyres specifically meant for agricultural tractors, will also benefit from this lower rate.  

The most significant change for the industry is the decision to reduce GST on new pneumatic tyres of rubber, excluding those used in bicycles, cycle-rickshaws, aircraft, and tractors, from the highest slab of 28 per cent to 18 percent. 

Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) welcomed the decision, stating, “Lower GST on tyres will translate into more affordable mobility for millions of users, starting from farmers and small traders to transporters, motorists and logistics operators. It will also help bring down vehicle operating costs, which in turn reduces overall logistics expenses in the economy,” said ATMA Chairman Arun Mammen. 

ATMA further noted that the reduction in GST rates on tyres will support road safety. High prices often discourage vehicle owners from timely tyre replacement, leading to extended use of worn-out tyres, which is a known risk factor for accidents. With the tax burden eased, tyre affordability will improve, encouraging motorists and fleet operators to replace tyres at the right time, thereby enhancing vehicle and passenger safety on roads.

Industry reactions

According to ICRA, the GST rate cut on most tyre categories is expected to boost domestic replacement demand, which makes up nearly two-thirds of India’s tyre market. Lower operating costs will benefit transport operators, improving fleet profitability and cash flows, while reduced logistics costs across industries are set to fuel aftermarket demand.

In addition, lower GST on new vehicles in entry-level, mid-range, and tractor segments should support OEM tyre demand through higher production and sales. The cut on tyre cord fabric, though a small cost component, is also margin-accretive.

In addition to the broad restructuring of tyre-related tax slabs, the GST Council has also moved to reduce the levy on key raw materials used in tyre production. Tyre cord fabric of high tenacity yarn, whether made of nylon, other polyamides, polyesters or viscose rayon, will now attract a Goods and Services Tax of 5 percent, down from the earlier 12 percent.

Exuding optimism on the move, CEAT Chief Executive Officer Arnab Banerjee noted, “We welcome the GST Council’s decision to rationalise tax rates in the tyre sector. The reduction of GST on new pneumatic tyres from 28 percent to 18 percent and the further relief for tractor tyres and tubes to 5 percent, is a progressive step that will significantly benefit the industry. This reform will make tyres more affordable for customers across commercial, agricultural and passenger vehicle segments, while also supporting rural mobility through lower input costs for farmers.” 

Commenting on the market impact of the revised rates, Partner and Automotive Tax Leader at EY India for the Auto sector, Saurabh Agarwal, said, “The rationalisation of GST rates on automotive vehicles and parts is a truly welcome and significant development. By making vehicles more affordable across all segments, this move will not only boost consumer spending but also simplify complex classification disputes that have long burdened the industry. The discontinuance of the cess is a particularly pragmatic step, which will provide much-needed support to a sector that is a vital contributor to our nation’s GDP.”

Commenting on the development, Shantanu Deshpande, Chairman, CII Task Force on Tyre and Managing Director, Michelin India, noted, “Thanks to the government for reducing GST rates on important products, including tyres. These changes will help lower costs for manufacturers and make tyres more affordable for consumers, while also enabling simplification and ease of doing business for the tyre industry. These changes complement the robust growth and improvement made in our road infrastructure and will further boost the growth of the industry. The new rates will support local manufacturing, encourage investment, increase business volumes and help India become more self-reliant in tyre manufacturing. We deeply appreciate this enabling decision.”

Commenting on the issue, Senior Vice President, India & SAARC, Yokohama-ATG, Anuj Thakar, said, “The cut in GST from 18 percent to 5 percent on tractor tyres and tubes and 28 percent to 18 percent on new pneumatic tyres is a historic reform that will directly benefit the farmers and off-highway tyre customers in India. As makers of Alliance and Primex Tires, we see this GST reduction as an opportunity to assist our consumers in choosing the right application-specific mobility solutions at lower operating costs.”

Retreaders’ woe

While the council’s move is slated to benefit the OE and aftermarket, retreaders aren’t happy. 

Tyre Retreading and Education Association Chairman Karun Sanghi said, “The GST on retreading remains stuck in the same slab despite representations to the GST Council even two weeks ago. The government promotes recycling and reducing carbon footprint, but has overlooked retreading in its policies. Tractor tyres have GST reduced to 5 per cent, while retreading is still at 18 per cent. This narrows the price gap between new and retreaded tyres, hurting demand for retreading and undermining recycling and carbon goals. Ideally, GST on retreading should have been reduced to 5, in line with new tyres.”

Currently, 80–90 percent of the retreading market is truck tyres, while 10–15 percent is farm, OTR and tractor tyres. The industry expects a significant impact on the tractor and commercial segments. 

However, Sanghi noted that as an association, they will continue to approach the government, highlighting the retreading and environmental benefits, though lobbying power is far weaker compared to other organisations in the industry, which may explain why retreading’s concerns are often sidelined.

While the GST cuts mark a win for tyre makers and farmers, retreaders remain burdened by an unchanged rate. This threatens recycling demand and carbon reduction efforts even as affordability improves for new tyres. The industry now looks to the government for parity that balances growth with environmental goals.

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Bridgestone has introduced a new addition to its Potenza ultra-high-performance line: the RE-71RZ extreme summer tyre. Designed specifically for grassroots racing, this tyre succeeds the acclaimed RE-71RS model. It aims to deliver quicker lap times and sharp, responsive handling, empowering drivers to maximise their performance on the circuit. A cornerstone of its design is the incorporation of ENLITEN technology, Bridgestone's next-generation platform focused on enhancing durability and advancing sustainable product design.

The tyre's development directly targets key performance metrics. On-track testing at Japan's Tsukuba Circuit demonstrated significant improvements, with the RE-71RZ achieving lap times approximately three-quarters of a second faster than its predecessor in both dry and wet conditions. This gain is attributed to several advanced engineering features. A new high-grip rubber compound, developed using insights from motorsports and proprietary NanoPro-Tech, enhances traction at a molecular level. The tread pattern has been redesigned with a stiffer construction and a larger outside shoulder to improve grip and stability, while a strategically placed main groove on the inside edge helps suppress uneven wear for longer track life. Furthermore, Bridgestone utilised its unique ULTIMAT EYE digital modelling tool to optimise the tyre's structure, creating a more uniform contact area for superior cornering grip.

Professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki and Yuji Tachikawa provided critical feedback during development, their expertise helping to refine the tyre's track-focused characteristics. The Potenza RE-71RZ builds upon a legacy that began in 1979, crafted for enthusiasts who demand competition-ready performance that transitions from daily driving to weekend motorsports. It has been approved for competition use by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and will be eligible for Solo and Time Trials events starting in 2026. The tyre will be offered in 45 sizes and is scheduled to launch in the North American market on 31 December 2025.

Sasaki said, “As its strong point, the Potenza RE-71RZ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the track. This tyre delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and track use.”

Tachikawa said, “This tyre is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tyre is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tyre suitable for various driving conditions.”

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Prometeon Tyre Manufacturing is in discussions with Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade over a planned US$400 million expansion, as the company moves to scale up production and strengthen its position in one of its key regional hubs.

A senior delegation from parent company China National Tire & Rubber Company met Minister Hassan Al-Khatib in Cairo to outline Prometeon’s growth plans for its Amreya factory in Alexandria. The group included chairman Wang Jian Jun, vice president Sun Deng, Prometeon Egypt chairman Omar Mehna, deputy general manager Yuan Liang, Africa–Middle East CEO Stefano Ziliani and CFO Hisham Abdel-Hadi.

During the meeting, Al-Khatib commended the pace of Prometeon’s development efforts, saying the ministry “will spare no effort to meet the company's requirements, in the context of preparing a conducive climate for investment and to protect the competition”. He also said Prometeon would receive continued backing through the China Unit at the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to ensure the company has “all the necessary information and required data”.

Prometeon executives told the minister that the planned investment aims to increase its investments by $400 million, which is in production of 1 1 one million additional car tires and upskill the existing factory efficiency.

 Prometeon’s Alexandria complex currently produces about 5.2 million tyres annually, and the expansion would introduce new manufacturing technologies to raise output and improve capability.

As part of its proposal, the company is seeking an additional 200,000 square metres of land adjacent to its current site to support the enlarged facility. Prometeon is also exploring the establishment of a dedicated free zone to serve its export-focused operations.

For Prometeon, the investment aligns with its strategy to reinforce Egypt as a central platform for supplying markets across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The company views the country’s manufacturing base and export access as key strengths as global demand patterns shift.

The talks signal the company’s intention to deepen its long-term commitment in Egypt, subject to final approvals and land allocation.

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Yokohama Rubber Co. has opened a new passenger-car tyre plant in Hangzhou, completing the project one month ahead of schedule and marking the first major milestone under its fast-build manufacturing strategy in China.

The company held an opening ceremony recently, attended by local government officials and community representatives. Yokohama Rubber was represented by President and COO Shinji Seimiya, who praised the speed of construction and stressed the plant’s role in the group’s long-term ambitions.

In his remarks, Seimiya said he was grateful for the support that allowed the project to finish ahead of plan. He also noted that the new plant is a very important project for Yokohama Rubber's sustainable growth in the future and that every effort will be made to quickly achieve mass production and deliver high-quality, high-value-added products to the Chinese market as soon as possible.

The Hangzhou facility is the first plant built under the company’s “1-year plant” challenge, a core initiative in its medium-term strategy, Yokohama Transformation 2026. The programme aims to speed up factory construction while lowering production costs and improving efficiency. Work on the new plant began in December 2024, with operations now starting in November 2025.

The project also fulfils a request from the Hangzhou government to relocate an older plant as part of the city’s environmental plans. The new factory will have an annual capacity of 9 million tyres—about 3 million more than the site it replaces—positioning Yokohama to meet rising demand for passenger-car tyres in China. Full-scale production is expected by the second quarter of 2026.

The expansion strengthens the company’s supply of high-value tyres for China’s fast-growing new energy vehicle market, including EV-focused designs and larger rim sizes.

Alongside the rapid-build initiative, Yokohama is pushing to raise the share of premium products in its consumer tyre business by expanding sales of its ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands, winter tyres, and 18-inch and larger tyres. The company is also rolling out regional product strategies to tailor development and sales to market-specific trends.

The opening of the Hangzhou plant underscores how Yokohama Rubber is trying to sharpen its competitive position in Asia’s largest tyre market while keeping pace with shifts in vehicle technology and local regulations.

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been honoured as a Community Contribution Certified Company for the seventh consecutive year. The recognition was conferred at the 2025 Community Contribution Recognition Day event in Seoul, where the company also received a Minister of Health and Welfare’s Commendation and the highest possible ‘S’ grade. This dual accolade underscores the sustained public value and consistent performance of its social responsibility programmes.

The certification itself is a rigorous evaluation administered by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea National Council on Social Welfare. It involves a comprehensive review based on ESG Principles, spanning multiple evaluation areas and numerous detailed indicators. In the latest assessment, the company excelled particularly in environmental management, earning recognition for its robust sustainability and carbon-neutral practices. Its diverse community initiatives, which are developed through long-term regional partnerships and extensive employee volunteerism, were also highly commended for building a stable and effective collaborative framework with local communities.

This ongoing commitment has been strategically reinforced following the establishment of the HS Hyosung Group in 2024. Under the new slogan ‘Value, Together’, the company has redefined its approach to social contribution. Its efforts are now organised around three core pillars: providing support for vulnerable groups, fostering the advancement of local communities and culture and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.

H S CHO, Vice Chairman, HS HYOSUNG, said, “Receiving the Minister of Health and Welfare’s Commendation and the highest ‘S’ grade is the result of our longstanding commitment to putting ‘Value, Together’ into action within our communities. We will continue to carry out diverse social contribution initiatives as a responsible company that grows together with local communities.”

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