India’s tyre retreading market is estimated to be an INR 60 billion industry with retreading mostly happening on commercial vehicle tyres. The organised sector is slated to grow between 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. The retreading industry in India dates back decades, primarily focusing on commercial vehicle tyres. Over the decades, it has evolved with advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks. Government initiatives promoting sustainability and waste tyre management have further spurred growth, establishing retreading as a key component of the tyre market.

A recent media report stated that the organised tyre retreading market in India observed muted growth in the last five years. Speaking to Tyre Trends¸ ICRA Assistant Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings Nithya Debbadi said, “The domestic tyre retreading market is estimated at over INR 60 billion. Tyre retreading is largely done in commercial vehicles, which account for 80 percent of the market. Trucks account for 60-65 percent, while buses account for the rest of 15-20 percent. Off-highway tyres (OHT) including tractors account for 12-15 percent, while passenger vehicles account for a negligible share.”

More than 70 percent of the truck tyres are retreaded at least once. While retreading is prominent even in the LCV segment, proportion of tyres retreaded is lower than in M&HCV. Increasing radialisation, improving road infrastructure and retreading technology and focus on sustainability is expected to increase the share of retreading in the truck and bus radial (TBR) segment, going forward. New tyre designs for electric vehicles also presents opportunities for the retreading industry.

Demand growth

Alluding to how the Indian government’s focus on waste tyre disposal and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicles has benefitted the TBR retreading market in India, she noted, “Indian government introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for waste tyres management, which came into effect in July 2022. The guidelines lay down rules relating to utilisation and management of waste tyres by producers (manufacturers and importers), recyclers and retreaders. Producers or importers need to fulfil EPR obligations by purchasing EPR certificate from registered recyclers. However, EPR obligation of tyre which has been retreaded shall be deferred by one year.” 

 “While the guidelines came into effect in FY2023, targets have been increasing progressively with the obligation increasing to 100 percent of tyre production in FY2025. Increasing focus on waste tyre management incentivises producers to focus on sustainability, which supports growth of retreading market. Compliance is achieved by purchasing EPR certificates from authorised recyclers or retreaders, thus developing tyre recycling infrastructure,” she added.

In trucks and bus segment, share of radialisation is estimated to have increased from 48 percent in FY2019 to over 55 percent in FY2024. Radial tyres have stronger structure, which supports multiple rounds of retreading. Moreover, radial tyres are more suited for roads in better conditions, leading to higher range for a given duration. This leads to frequent need for retreading.

She also noted that owing to Covid-19 and its post-effects, the retreading industry saw a flattish growth (estimated CAGR of 1-3 percent) in the three years ending FY2023. However, with the government’s thrust towards disposal of waste tyres, anti-overloading measures and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicle tyre segment, the retreading market has been a key beneficiary witnessing better demand traction in FY2024.

ICRA expects the organised tyre retreaders to grow by 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. Key factors supporting the growth include focus on sustainable tyres, improving tyre and retreading technology, better road infrastructure, rising radialisation in CV segment etc.

Alluding to what impact is the growing demand for sustainability and cost efficiency having on the quality standards and innovation within the retreading industry, she noted, “Retreading results in significant cost saving as the cost of retreading is around 20-50 percent the cost of a new tyre because of reuse of casing. Treads account for close to one-third of a tyre’s total cost. Performance of a retreaded tyre also depends on the health of the original casing.”

She added, “Developments in tyre technology has resulted in stronger casings and overall tyre structure that supports multiple rounds of retreading. Enhanced re-manufacturing techniques and higher quality rubber compounds are improving the quality of retreaded tyres and supporting demand. With quality casing and superior retreading technology, a tyre can be retreaded two to three times before being replaced while maintaining 80 percent quality of the new one.

Impending challenges

The tyre retreading market in India is at a pivotal juncture driven by a confluence of regulatory support, technological advancements and a growing awareness of sustainability. While challenges remain in the form of market fragmentation, the potential for growth is significant.

Despite these positive trends, the TBR retreading market faces significant challenges. The Indian market remains highly fragmented with over 50 percent of players operating in the unorganised sector.

As the industry adapts to changing dynamics, the focus on quality and sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory. The next decade may see retreading not just as a viable alternative to new tyres but as an essential component of a more sustainable automotive ecosystem in India.

Titan International, a major global manufacturer of wheels and tyres for off-highway equipment, has secured expanded production rights for the Goodyear brand across multiple segments while renewing its existing farm tyre licensing agreement.

The deal extends Titan’s Goodyear brand manufacturing rights to include light construction, industrial, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lawn and garden and golf tyre categories, significantly broadening the company's market reach.

The Illinois-based firm will continue to produce agricultural tyres under the Goodyear Farm Tyres brand, maintaining its presence in a sector where it manufactures products ranging from small implement tyres to the massive Goodyear Optitrac LSW1400/30R46, which features the company's proprietary Low Sidewall Technology.

"We are excited to expand our rights into new segments, as this positions us to serve our customers better and seize emerging market opportunities. Our research and product development teams are already working on new tyre designs incorporating innovative tyre technologies for the lawn and garden segment," said Paul Reitz, President & CEO of Titan International, Inc. "In addition to our newly acquired rights, we are reaffirming our commitment to the farm tyres segment, a vital part of our business."

Industry analysts note the expansion comes as demand for specialised off-highway tyres remains robust across construction, agriculture and recreational sectors despite broader economic headwinds.

Strategic growth initiative

The licensing expansion aligns with Titan's strategy to offer comprehensive wheel and tyre solutions across forestry, powersports, outdoor power equipment, agricultural, earthmoving, and light construction markets throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The company did not disclose the financial terms of the licensing agreement with Goodyear.

Titan International has manufactured Goodyear-branded farm tyres since 2005, when it acquired Goodyear's North American farm tyre business. It has gradually expanded these rights to other regions, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Australia.

Targets International Expansion With Robust Fy25 Performance

CEAT Ltd, the RPG Group’s flagship tyre company, reported a capital outlay of INR 9–10 billion  for FY2025–26, keeping with its capacity expansion strategy and global integration. This follows a strong FY25 performance of record revenues and double-digit growth across segments despite headwinds in overseas markets.

The business ended FY25 with consolidated revenue of INR 132.18 billion, up 10.6 percent year on year, and Q4 revenue at INR34.21 billion, up 14.3 percent compared to the corresponding quarter previous year. The standalone full-year EBITDA was INR 15 billion, and the Q4 operating margins improved by more than 100 basis points sequentially at 11.5 percent.

"We incurred capex of INR 9.46 billion in FY25 and expect a similar investment of INR 9–1.0 billion in FY26," said Kumar Subbiah, Chief Financial Officer of CEAT. “Our focus will remain on expanding capacities, particularly at the Ambarnath and Chennai facilities, and funding the integration of the recently acquired Camso compact construction business.”

In FY25, CEAT depreciated assets amounting to INR11.40 billion. Much of its FY26 capex will also fund equipment modernisation and normal maintenance at its Sri Lankan operations under Camso, putting a cost estimate of INR1-1.25 billion a year over the next two years.

The Camso acquisition, which is effective from Q2 FY26, is likely to significantly enhance CEAT's global presence. "Integration work has started in full acceleration," said Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO. “Initial focus will be on customer retention and business continuity, with consolidation expected to double Camso’s current capacity utilisation over the medium term.”

Despite international uncertainties, CEAT renewed its medium-term global growth forecast. Exports are expected to form 25–26 percent of the revenue post-Camso integration. Turbulence still exists in Latin America and North America due to tariff policies and exchange rate weakness. CEAT, however, has reported consistent performance in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

CEAT also indicated a likely raw material cost stabilisation in Q1 FY26, potentially softening by Q2, to support its margin growth initiatives. The gross margin was 37.5 percent in Q4 FY25, and the target was above 40 percent in the near term.

Banerjee signaled ongoing activity in electrification, premiumisation, and digitalisation. "With our technology outlays and new product introductions, we are hopeful of sustaining 20–25 percent market share in electric vehicle segments," he asserted.

The debt levels of the company are under control. The gross debt as of 31 March 2025 was INR 19.28 billion with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.3x and debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44x. Subbiah added that CEAT's strong cash generation will allow it to finance both organic and inorganic growth without materially diluting leverage metrics.

Black Swan Graphene Inc. (Black Swan) has appointed Jobin George as Technical Sales Manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region with immediate effect. This significant move, which supports Black Swan's worldwide commercial team as it promotes adoption of its graphene-enhanced products, follows Dan Roadcap’s appointment as Head of Technical Sales and Business Development.

George has an MBA from ICFAI University in India, a Post Graduate Diploma from the Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology in India and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. He brings with him more than 20 years of global expertise in project management, business development and technical sales. George has had positions at Sands International Plastics and Sojitz Corporation in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Aquapak Polymers and H-Pack Global Ltd.

Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer, Black Swan Graphene, said, “The addition of Jobin to our commercial team marks another important milestone in our global expansion strategy. His international experience, particularly in the EMEA region, and his proven ability to translate technical capability into commercial success make him an ideal fit as we continue scaling our graphene business.”

George said, “Black Swan is positioned at the forefront of advanced materials innovation. The opportunity to contribute to the adoption of such a transformative technology across the EMEA region is tremendously exciting. I look forward to engaging with our existing customers and partners, along with exploring opportunities for new clients as well, to showcase the performance and value of Black Swan’s graphene solutions.”

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has appointed Stephanie Mull as its Executive Director.

Mull will spearhead the organisation's initiatives to promote innovation and invest in the circular tyre economy, expand the market for end-of-life tyres and support studies to fill in the gaps in the sustainability and tyre recycling supply chain in her new role at TRF. Mull brings a wealth of experience in the sustainability field and a broad understanding of fleet management and decarbonisation, including converting fleets to electric and alternative fuel vehicles. In her role as PepsiCo's Sustainability Senior Manager, she oversaw major electrification projects, obtained grant money and spearheaded efforts to lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions throughout Pepsi and Frito-Lay's North American fleets. Mull oversaw the local government's efforts to upgrade municipal vehicles to greener technology and volunteered to help the Red Cross electrify its fleet.

Anne Forristall Luke, TRF Board President, said, “Stephanie Mull brings the passion, in-depth expertise and history of excellence that will drive TRF and its partners to achieve critical tyre recycling and reclamation milestones. We are thrilled to have her join the Foundation as we advance tyre sustainability while tackling the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Mull said, “I’m honoured to join the Tire Recycling Foundation and support its sustainability mission to achieve 100 percent end-of-life tyre circularity. TRF is a vital nexus of expertise and leadership, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders in developing tyre recycling solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future.” 

The Tire Recycling Foundation is dedicated to achieving 100 percent circularity for end-of-life tires by advancing innovation, building partnerships and supporting scalable recycling and reclamation solutions. Consisting of 15 global industry leaders with expertise in the manufacturing, recycling and transportation industries, TRF’s Board primarily focuses on the acceleration and adoption of emerging end-of-life tyre market technologies like rubber-modified asphalt (RMA).