India’s tyre exporters are bracing for headwinds after the United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, a move analysts warn could erode the industry’s cost advantage and slow growth in a key overseas market.

Tyre exports account for about a quarter of Indian tyre makers’ revenues, with around 17 percent of outbound shipments headed to the United States in FY2025, according to ratings agency ICRA.

The hike, effective 7 August, puts India at a disadvantage to rivals such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, which face lower tariffs of 19–20 percent.

“The current increase in tariff will increase the cost of tyres imported into the US significantly,” ICRA said, adding that pass-through of the duties would depend on a supplier’s criticality and share of business.

While Chinese tyres face a higher 30 percent duty, offering some cushion, analysts note that US replacement demand—a major segment for Indian off-highway, truck, and bus tyres—is already weakening amid economic uncertainty and slower auto sales.

ICRA noted that Indian tyre exports grew over nine percent by value in FY2025, driven by strong volumes in off-highway and commercial vehicle tyres. However, it cautioned that “a lower tariff rate for countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines will be key setbacks for the tyre exports”.

Domestic players will likely scale up exports to Europe and Africa but may face pricing pressure if the US business falters. A 20 basis point cut has reduced India’s FY2026 GDP growth forecast to six per cent over concerns the tariffs could hurt exports, including tyres.

The US move is part of a broader reciprocal tariff regime aimed at narrowing trade gaps. India’s trade surplus with the United States rose to USD 41 billion in FY2025 from USD 21 billion a decade earlier.

Zeon’s Q1 Profit Surges 115 percent In Elastomer Segment Despite Sales Drag From Yen Gains, Lower Raw Material Prices

Zeon reported a 115 percent jump in operating profit from its elastomer business in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, even as net sales across the segment stagnated, squeezed by a stronger yen and lower selling prices reflecting declining raw material costs.

Operating profit in the elastomer unit—including synthetic rubbers used in tyres—rose to ¥4.2 billion from ¥2.0 billion last quarter, as post-maintenance sales volumes improved and fixed costs dropped.

Segment revenue stood flat at ¥58.1 billion, down 4 percent year-on-year, with synthetic rubber sales slipping 2 percent to ¥44.5 billion. Chemicals revenue dropped 12 percent to ¥9.0 billion, while latexes rose 3 percent to ¥3.5 billion.

“Despite the impact of lower selling prices due to falling raw material prices and yen appreciation, both net sales and OP income were up due to higher shipments following the completion of regular maintenance and a reduction in headquarters expense allocation,” the company said in its earnings presentation.

For the full year, Zeon held its net sales forecast at ¥415.0 billion, up 4 percent year-on-year, but cut its operating income outlook to ¥30.5 billion, down 9 percent. The company also reaffirmed its ¥72 per share dividend for FY2025 and continued its 10 million share or ¥10 billion buyback programme.

While sales of general-purpose rubbers declined year-on-year due to export sluggishness and plant shutdowns, Zeon said shipments had rebounded quarter-on-quarter after completing maintenance at its Tokuyama and Singapore plants. Speciality rubbers also posted sequential growth, despite weak overseas demand.

Net profit for the quarter rose to ¥7.5 billion, up 24 percent from the previous quarter, supported by higher gains from investment securities and reduced impairment losses.

Zeon remains cautious for the year’s second half, citing US tariffs, volatile raw materials, and yen fluctuations. The company flagged potential shipment declines for optical films and synthetic rubbers in H2 but expects a recovery in FY2026.

Japan’s ispace, Bridgestone Sign Agreement To Develop Tyres For Lunar Rovers By 2029

Japanese start-up ispace inc. and tyre maker Bridgestone have agreed to jointly develop tyres for small and midsize lunar rovers, targeting Moon use by 2029.

The partnership equips Bridgestone’s elastic wheel technology—designed to adapt to harsh lunar terrain—on ispace's rover prototypes. The companies will conduct Earth-based performance tests before Moon deployment.

“Bridgestone’s lunar rover tyre has a structure of thin metal spokes, enabling flexible deformation while maintaining durability,” said Masaki Ota, Director of OE Business Strategy & Planning/New Mobility Business Division at Bridgestone. “This design delivers superior ability to traverse and shock absorption, allowing the rover to traverse the lunar surface and overcome obstacles such as lunar rocks.”

Bridgestone started developing lunar rover tyres in 2019 and unveiled concept models in April 2025 with lower weight to suit smaller rover platforms.

ispace, known for micro-sized lunar rovers, sees the partnership as key to its long-term lunar economy mission.

“ispace's goal of establishing a new economy on the Moon requires the participation of players from a wide range of industries,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. “Bridgestone… is now developing lunar rover tyres for the extreme environments found on the Moon. These tyres will undoubtedly contribute to future human advancement on the Moon.”

The companies said they are also exploring collaboration opportunities through the Space Strategy Fund at Japan’s national space agency, JAXA.

Bridgestone Launches First Aircraft Tyre Tracking System With Cebu Pacific

Bridgestone has officially rolled out its proprietary aircraft tyre management system “easytrack” in collaboration with Cebu Pacific Air, marking the first deployment of the solution by a commercial airline.

The system, launched in April 2025, uses QR codes and a smartphone app to track aircraft tyres across the supply chain—replacing Cebu Pacific’s manual, paper-based process.

“As Cebu Pacific continues to expand its operations, it's essential that we invest in smart solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload,” said Shevantha Weerasekera, Vice President, Engineering & Fleet Management at Cebu Pacific. “Partnering with Bridgestone to implement the ‘easytrack’ system has enabled us to significantly improve our tyre  management processes significantly, ensuring greater accuracy, safety, and productivity across our operations.”

Bridgestone said the system has halved labour time for inventory management and achieved full tyre tracking accuracy after verification trials at Cebu Pacific’s warehouses, MROs, and maintenance bases.

“As a value co-creation partner, we have proposed solutions tailored to on-site operations based on learnings and insights gained from Cebu Pacific Air’s frontline operations,” said Arata Tomita, Director, Global Aviation Tire Solutions Business Division at Bridgestone. “We are very pleased that the official implementation of ‘easytrack’ has contributed to the improvement of operational accuracy, safety, and productivity.”

Bridgestone said the move aligns with its “Bridgestone E8 Commitment,” with a focus on enhancing efficiency and ecology by supporting sustainable tyre practices and operational productivity.

Giti Tire Unveils Prototype With 93 Percent Sustainable Materials, Targets 2030 Mass Production

Giti Tire has developed a concept tyre made with 93 percent sustainable materials as the Singapore-headquartered manufacturer accelerates efforts to commercialise greener products by the end of the decade.

The prototype combines 53 percent renewable ingredients such as deforestation-free natural rubber, pine-based resin and silica derived from rice husks with 40 percent recycled materials including rubber, carbon black, steel and polyester fibres from plastic bottles.

“For Giti, this stands as both a milestone and a promise—a testament to the possibilities when scientific ingenuity encompasses environmental stewardship,” said Mr. Gao Qiang Sheng, R&D General Manager at Giti Tire. “The Giti team will continue pioneering sustainable ways to improve products while maintaining our signature balance of performance and safety in order to deliver driving enjoyment for all drivers.”

Giti said the tyre achieved a technical readiness score of 9 out of 10, underscoring the viability of its eco-friendly compounds in high-performance applications. Bio-based polymers, next-generation manufacturing techniques and advanced recycling processes all contributed to the breakthrough prototype.

The company is aiming to begin mass production of the material platform by 2030 as part of a broader push to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and lower carbon emissions across its supply chain.

Bekaert Warns Of Weakening Demand As Tariffs And Fx Weigh On Outlook

Belgian steel wire maker Bekaert reported resilient first-half 2025 earnings as strong cash generation and cost control offset softer sales, but warned that tariffs and currency pressures are weighing on demand.

The company posted consolidated sales of €1.9 billion, down 5.2 percent year-on-year, with volumes declining 2.6 percent and price/mix effects stripping out a further 2.2 percent. Underlying EBIT slipped 16.2 percent to €171 million, delivering a margin of 8.8 percent compared with 9.9 percent a year earlier.

Free cash flow surged to €123 million from €43 million in the prior-year period, driven by a €135 million reduction in working capital and €21 million in cost savings as the company continued to streamline operations and rein in capex. Net debt fell to €327 million from €399 million despite a continuing €200 million share buyback programme, €74 million of which has been completed.

“We have continued to focus on what we can control best – cash flow and costs - and have significantly reduced overheads and working capital in H1 2025,” chief executive Yves Kerstens said. “Equally, I am very pleased with the hard work of our teams fighting for volumes in the current challenging markets.”

He added: “We are also taking further steps to make our business units more autonomous and agile. Therefore, I am very confident that we will come out of the current business environment stronger and more cost competitive than ever before.”

Bekaert said volumes were particularly strong in its Steel Wire Solutions and Rubber Reinforcement divisions in the United States and China, while European and Latin American demand lagged. Its Brazilian joint ventures delivered €24 million in net profit share, up from €20 million a year ago.

However, the group cautioned that growing trade tensions – including a rise in US steel tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent – and the weakening of the US dollar and Chinese yuan against the euro were eroding pricing power and softening orders.

“Following a period of resilience in Q2, the tariff uncertainty and weakening economic outlook has started to have an impact on demand,” Bekaert said.

The company now expects slightly lower full-year 2025 sales on a like-for-like basis, with an underlying EBIT margin of between 8.0 percent and 8.5 percent, down from 8.8 percent in the first half.

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has reinforced its commitment to the construction and mining sectors with the launch of four new off-the-road (OTR) tyres at the CII EXCON 2025 trade fair in Bangalore. The products, unveiled by Dr R Mukhopadhyay, Director of R&D, expand the company’s specialised portfolio, focusing on application-specific performance for demanding environments.

A key introduction is the all-new SKY GRIP tyre, designed for Aerial Work Platforms and Boom Lifts. The size 355/55D625 tyre aims to provide enhanced stability and superior traction for equipment operating at elevated heights, ensuring safer mobility for articulated and telescopic boom lifts across diverse terrains in construction and industrial settings.

The launch also includes three critical variants for heavy machinery. For backhoe loaders, the 14.00-25 GTL PLUS promises durability and stability during excavation. The 23.5-25 GTL PLUS variant is engineered for wheel loaders, offering improved traction on demanding surfaces. Addressing the extreme conditions of underground mining, the 14.00-20 VEM AS-UG features a reinforced casing and a specialised compound to withstand abrasive environments and the rigorous duty cycles of shuttle cars.

From pioneering India's largest OTR tyres to developing advanced technologies, JK Tyre continues to strengthen its portfolio, providing reliable and high-performance solutions tailored to support diverse industrial operations.

Srinivasu Allaphan, Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “India is witnessing a transformative phase in infrastructure development, and JK Tyre remains committed to support this journey. With the launch of our new OTR range at EXCON, we are strengthening our support for equipment that powers critical infrastructure, enabling greater productivity, durability and operational safety across the country’s construction, mining and industrial projects.”

Eurogrip, a premier two- and three-wheeler tyre brand from TVS Srichakra Ltd., is exhibiting its premium portfolio at Automechanika Dubai 2025 from 9–11 December. The brand's presence at this major global aftermarket trade show marks its third participation. Featured products on display at Stand Z5 - H26 in the Dubai World Trade Centre include the new Trailhound range, comprising the Wild, STR and SCR models, and the Protorq Max prototype.

The showcase also highlights Roadhound, Protorq Extreme, Bee City, Bee Sport, Climber XC, Terrabite DB+ and Beamer VS tyres, alongside popular patterns like Badshah, Badshah LX, Jaya LX and Auto 150. This diverse lineup is the result of advanced research, performance-focused design and sophisticated tyre technology.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer, TVS Srichakra Ltd., said, “Automechanika Dubai continues to be a significant platform for us as we continue to strengthen Eurogrip’s global presence. The expo is a great opportunity for us to engage with partners and customers across the globe, particularly the West Asia, Africa and key Gulf countries. We are delighted to be displaying our high-quality performance-oriented tyres.”

Galaxy, the off-highway tyre brand owned by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires, has introduced two additions to its construction and mining portfolio at Excon 2025 in Bengaluru, underscoring rising competition in India’s heavy-equipment tyre market.

The manufacturer unveiled the LDSR 500, an all-steel radial tyre for wheel loaders and dozers, and the RTSR 300, a model for rigid dump trucks used in mining and large construction sites. The launches reflect growing demand for tyres engineered to withstand higher loads, harsher terrain and longer operating cycles in India’s infrastructure sector.

Galaxy’s LDSR 500 features a non-directional pattern and deep tread intended to improve stability and extend service life. The RTSR 300 is designed for heavy-load haulage across varied surfaces and incorporates an open-shoulder pattern to aid traction and self-cleaning. Both tyres will be available in compounds tailored to specific applications.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer at Yokohama-ATG, said the company aimed to broaden its range of advanced radial and solid tyres for the domestic market. “At Galaxy, we take pride in our customer-centric innovations and are excited to display an array of all-steel radials and large solid tyres that deliver improved wear characteristics and superior & trouble-free performance on tough terrains,” he said. “Our highly automated, state of the art facilities are well-equipped to manufacture customized tyre solutions for the Indian customers and we look forward to serving them.”

Anuj Thakar, Senior Vice-President for India and SAARC at Yokohama-ATG, said India remained a priority region. “India is a key growth market for us and it is a great pleasure to participate in the country’s biggest construction expo,” he said. “Our presence at Excon reflects our commitment to our customers in the region as we continue to provide the best tyre solutions for varied construction needs.”

The Galaxy stand also features several existing products aimed at mining, construction and material-handling fleets. These include the Mine Rock-XT, a nylon-casing tyre for use in both mining and construction; Hulk, a skid-steer tyre engineered for puncture resistance; and the LHD 510 SDS, designed with a deep groove for higher traction and lower heat build-up.

Other models on display include the Giraffe XLW, intended for backhoe loaders; the Yardmaster Radial, used on forklifts; and the LDSR 300 for loaders and articulated dump trucks.

Goodyear has reversed an earlier plan to divest its farm tyre operations in India, opting instead to retain the business following the conclusion of a strategic review by its US parent company. The decision marks a shift in strategy for the US tyre group, which had been evaluating options for the division amid a broader restructuring programme.

Goodyear India disclosed the development to the Bombay Stock Exchange recetently, noting that the board had “took note of the communication received from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., USA, i.e. the ultimate parent company that it has concluded the previously announced strategic review of its Farm Tire business in India and at this time has made the decision to retain ownership of the business.”

The review, initiated earlier this year, followed a sustained period of mixed performance in India’s agricultural equipment sector, where tyre demand is closely linked to tractor sales and rural income trends.

Retention of the business suggests the company sees continued strategic value in India’s agricultural market, one of the world’s largest for tractor production and a key geography for tyre manufacturers seeking stable demand cycles. The farm tyre segment, although subject to monsoon-driven fluctuations, offers long-term potential due to mechanisation trends and government support for rural development.

Goodyear India remains majority owned by the US group and manufactures a range of tyres for passenger vehicles and agricultural machinery. The company did not outline next steps for the farm division but said the communication from its parent should be taken on record.