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.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has welcomed the US Senate confirmation of Jonathan Morrison as Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a role within the Department of Transportation.

The association issued a statement applauding the confirmation, stressing that Morrison brings extensive leadership and expertise to the agency and the association looks forward to partnering with him to advance a modernised regulatory framework for current and future tyre technologies that enhance performance and road safety.

Congratulating Morrison on his confirmation, Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Congratulations, Jonathan Morrison, on your confirmation as NHTSA Administrator! The members of the U.S. tyre manufacturing community look forward to working together to advance our mutual goals of highway and motorist safety.”

The German Agricultural Society (DLG) has conferred a prestigious Agritechnica Innovation Silver Medal upon Nokian Tyres for its Intuitu 2.0 Smart Pressure Assistant. This next-generation smart tyre technology, designed for the Nokian Soil King VF tractor tyres, was recognised as a significant advancement for the agricultural sector by the award's independent jury of experts.

The Intuitu 2.0 system addresses a core operational challenge for farmers by introducing intelligent load-sensing capabilities. Through specialised sensors embedded within the tyre, the technology continuously monitors the axle load of the tractor during normal driving conditions. It then processes this real-time data to provide the operator with a precise recommendation for the correct tyre pressure. This guidance is crucial for adapting to different tasks, ensuring optimal pressure for both efficient road travel and effective fieldwork, thereby improving overall productivity and reducing soil compaction.

This award-winning innovation is an evolution of Nokian's initial Intuitu concept, which was first introduced in 2020. The system's functionality is accessed via a user-friendly mobile application, making advanced tyre management accessible directly to the farmer. The Agritechnica Innovation Award is a highly respected honour in the global agricultural machinery industry, with winners selected based on their potential to advance farming practices, enhance efficiency and promote sustainability. This year, the jury assessed 251 entries, awarding only two Gold and 22 Silver Medals. The Silver Medal specifically acknowledges innovations that constitute a clear improvement on existing products, demonstrate practical relevance and enhanced reliability and have a positive environmental impact.

The official launch for the Intuitu 2.0 Smart Pressure Assistant is scheduled for October. Following this, the technology will be presented to the international agricultural community at the Agritechnica 2025 fair in Hannover, which runs from 9 to 15 November. The development process for this project received partial financial support from Business Finland.

Paolo Pompei, President & CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Intuitu 2.0 provides farmers with a unique way to make the most out of their machines while maximising productivity, lowering fuel consumption, protecting soil and extending tyre life. We are very excited to launch the new technology in October, and very proud that its exceptional value and impact has also been recognised by DLG.”

ZC Rubber seized the prominent platform of Mining Indonesia 2025 to present its comprehensive portfolio of off-the-road tyres, underscoring its global leadership and strategic growth. The company’s exhibit was built around its two flagship brands, WESTLAKE and TIANLI, which were represented by a robust selection of nine distinct mining tyre models. This lineup, featuring sizes such as 27.00R49 and 24.00R35, was engineered to serve a wide spectrum of mining vehicles, including rigid and articulated dump trucks, across both open-pit and underground environments.

A key product on display was the WESTLAKE CB771, a tyre designed for rigid and wide-body dump trucks. Its construction prioritises durability and operational efficiency, featuring a large block tread for superior traction on challenging terrain. The tyre’s reinforced carcass is built to withstand multiple retreading cycles, while thicker sidewalls offer enhanced protection against cuts, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. For the larger equipment, the TIANLI 27.00R49 TUE402 was presented as a market-leading solution for giant rigid dump trucks. This model incorporates a high TKPH drive pattern for effective heat dissipation and reduced slippage, alongside specialised compounds that improve wear and cut resistance, ensuring a long service life under extreme loads.

Further highlighting its international manufacturing footprint, ZC Rubber featured a 12.00R24 radial tyre produced by its Indonesian subsidiary, PT. Matahari Tyre Indonesia. This localised production exemplifies the company’s commitment to its globalisation strategy and its ability to serve regional markets effectively. The exhibition at Mining Indonesia 2025 solidifies ZC Rubber’s ongoing mission to expand its global production capacity and refine its product offerings. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive tyre solutions that support the demanding requirements of the mining, construction and transportation industries worldwide.

Hankook Tire has launched a strategic brand film that forges a direct link between the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This narrative leverages Hankook’s exclusive status as the tyre supplier for both premier FIA series to demonstrate its technological breadth. The film’s core concept is an immersive driver exchange, featuring Maximilian Günther of the DS Penske Formula E Team and Adrien Fourmaux of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. The two drivers swap their respective machines – the all-electric GEN3 Evo race car and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 rally car – to gain a firsthand understanding of each other's discipline.

The production highlights this contrast by featuring dynamic, side-by-side footage of the specific tyres engineered for each challenge: the GEN3 Evo iON Race electric racing tyre and the extreme all-weather Dynapro R213 rally tyre. This visual comparison serves to underscore Hankook’s claim of race-proven performance and versatility across fundamentally different motorsport environments. The experience of the drivers in unfamiliar cars provides an authentic testament to the tyre technology, a point reinforced by positive feedback from representatives of both championships regarding Hankook’s cross-discipline capabilities.

The film, which includes a surprise cameo from Hankook’s Motorsport Director Manfred Sandbichler to signal the start of the action, is part of a broader content rollout. It will be supported by behind-the-scenes footage and short-form content, released in stages across Hankook’s global website and social media channels. This initiative is a showcase of Hankook’s extensive global motorsport involvement, which includes supplying tyres for over 70 FIA-sanctioned competitions. The data and insights harvested from these extreme conditions are channelled into the company’s advanced R&D infrastructure, including the Technoplex headquarters and the Hankook Technoring proving ground, to accelerate technological innovation and solidify its leadership in the tyre market.

Günther said, “I had full confidence in delivering a strong run thanks to Hankook’s exceptional grip and stability.”

Fourmaux said, “The tyres delivered consistent grip and sharp responsiveness at high speed, enabling me to approach the race with complete composure.”

Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer of WRC Promoter GmbH, said, “WRC embraces innovation, and from the outset, that is exactly what this project has been about. It was fantastic for us to be able to join Formula E, to get insights into their world and share with them the thrill of WRC. This, of course, would not have been possible without Hankook, with whom we are continuing to grow and evolve in the first year of our fruitful relationship.”

“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to see cars from two of the FIA's World Championships taking to the same track at the same time. This video really demonstrates the impressive variety in terms of format and technologies that are offered in top-level FIA competitions, with innovation tailored specifically to the unique challenges of racing and rallying environments. It goes to show that there is not one single solution when it comes to either racing or the wider mobility landscape, and that the core DNA of motor sport is consistent regardless of the category. Thanks to our colleagues at Hankook, Formula E, WRC Promoter and Hyundai for making it happen," said an FIA spokesperson.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said, “As the world’s most progressive and competitive motorsport, Formula E has always been bold and ambitious in its approach to success. What has been central in our DNA, however, is pushing the boundaries of performance. What this film demonstrates is that not only are we here to disrupt and innovate but develop world-leading expertise and new technologies.”

Manfred Sandbichler, Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Hankook's technology and quality, trusted by leading motorsports entities such as Formula E and WRC, continue to deliver outstanding performance. Like our motorsports slogan, 'Race Beyond Limits', we remain committed to innovation and the ultimate driving experience.”