The table has turned for the rubber & tire industry. In the post economic-downturn world, consumption is on the rebound with steady demand and signs of growth.

"Global sales of passenger-car tires are forecast to grow 6.1 percent this year from 2010, while sales of commercial- vehicle tires are forecast to rise 11 percent, International Rubber Study Group forecast on Jan. 26"
Bloomberg, May 2011

"Apollo Tyres reported double-digit revenue growth in the March quarter. This was on account of a recovery in the European tyre demand and sustainable growth in the domestic replacement market."
Rubber Market News, June 2011

The market as a whole is looking positive with Asia and Europe expected to see higher growth. But what are the implications for the rubber and tire producers? High material costs and supply shortages are forcing tire producers to rethink their pricing strategy. Climbing natural rubber price and the increase in synthetic rubber is putting a squeeze in the global butadiene market, especially in Europe where it is being converted to SBR to cater to US demand. Furthermore, the impending legislations in Europe are encouraging synthetic rubber producers to expand their capacity in order to meet demand for high-performance tires.

CMT's 5th CEE Rubber & Tire Markets addresses critical concerns related to the raw material chain and additional insights on market intelligence, trade dynamics, "green" tires and "end of life" tire management outlook.