India’s tyre industry is bracing for a tough fiscal year, weighed down by sluggish demand, volatile raw material prices and muted export growth. Revenue is forecast to expand just 7-8 percent – supported by modest price hikes and a marginal rise in volumes – marking a second straight year of single-digit growth. However, operating margins are set to contract sharply as natural rubber prices remain elevated despite recent moderation. In a wide-ranging discussion, Anuj Sethi, Senior Director at CRISIL Ratings, unpacks the factors shaping the sector, from price pressures and replacement demand to global headwinds and evolving trade dynamics.

How would you characterise the current fiscal year for the Indian tyre industry, considering its challenges and opportunities?

With volume expected to grow just by about 3-4 percent due to sluggish demand, overall revenue growth will remain in single digit for the second straight year, this fiscal. On the other hand, high raw material prices, especially of natural rubber, rose sharply over the past 12 months and have only recently begun to moderate. To a moderate extent, tyre manufacturers are increasing tyre prices in the replacement market to offset the impact of higher input prices, albeit operating profitability will still be impacted this fiscal.

The report mentions 7-8 percent revenue growth this fiscal year, supported by a 3-4 percent increase in realisations and volume. What specific factors could push growth beyond this forecast, and what risks might undercut it?

While realisation growth due to price hikes being undertaken by tyre manufacturers is a certain given sharp increase in natural rubber prices, higher than projected volume growth could take the growth higher than expected. With about 2/3rd of the domestic demand

coming from replacement segment, and it being the primary volume driver, any significant decline in that demand can impact the growth forecast other way.

Given that replacement demand is the primary volume driver, how do you assess the longevity of this demand surge in the context of evolving consumer preferences and vehicle usage patterns?

The replacement demand is expected to sustain over the medium term driven by the strong automotive sales achieved in previous fiscals.

With operating profitability projected to drop 300 basis points, what contingency measures are tyre makers considering beyond gradual price increases to mitigate this impact?

The price of natural rubber, which constitutes about half of the raw materials, continued to surge sharply in the first half of fiscal 2025. However, ability to pass on this increase is limited due to modest volume growth. Small price hikes and continued focus at improving operating efficiencies on an ongoing basis is another way to offset the impact to some extent.

Natural rubber prices have been highly volatile, reaching record highs and then falling to around INR 170 per kg. What is your outlook for natural rubber prices in the near to medium term, and what factors will likely influence their movement?

The sharp rise in natural rubber prices is due to a global shortage caused by inclement weather in major producing countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, which account for about half of the global production. Going forward, increase in supply with improving hectarage and slowdown in global economies is likely to drive correction in international rubber prices. In the last couple of months, some moderation in natural rubber prices has happened.

China has a surplus in crude oil-derived raw materials, including carbon black and other chemicals. Do you anticipate this surplus impacting global prices for these commodities, and how might Indian tyre makers benefit or face challenges as a result?

Share of natural rubber in tyre manufacturing is 47 percent, while carbon black accounts for ~20-22 percent. Should carbon black prices remain under control, it will benefit domestic tyre manufacturers.

Export growth is expected to remain muted at 2-3 percent. How does the current geopolitical climate, including sanctions or trade restrictions, further complicate Indian tyre makers’ access to markets in North America and Europe?

Export growth is expected to remain sluggish due to challenging business conditions in US and Europe. However, certain segments like off-the-road tyres are beginning to see better prospects as stocks with dealers are moderating. This could help players with presence in the off-the road- tyre segment.

Exports to key markets such as North America and Europe are under pressure due to economic challenges and unviable operating costs, leading to plant shutdowns in regions like US, Europe and Israel. Is the Indian tyre industry at risk of facing similar challenges, or does it have structural advantages that mitigate these risks?

Indian players are better placed compared to some of the western peers due to comparatively lower cost of operations, though operating profitability has come under pressure this fiscal because of higher imported rubber prices. Also, Indian players have flexibility to supply in small batch sizes unlike Chinese peers, and hence this also works to their advantage, more prominently in higher margin segments such as off-the road tyres.

Have tyre makers explored new international markets or alternative trade routes to counter supply chain disruptions and higher freight costs?

Not really; to circumvent the difficult environment around the Suez Canal, vessels are going around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 2-3 weeks and additional freight cost on exports. Some of the costs are being shared with the customers.

The report references Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. How significant is the financial and operational burden of compliance for tyre makers, and what progress has been made in addressing this?

Adoption of EPR regulations is not expected to have a very sizeable impact on profitability, though it will lead to investments in strengthening processes and in technology.

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ZAFCO, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of automotive tyres, batteries and lubricants, has strengthened its corporate governance with the addition of Hee Se Ahn to its Board as an Independent Director, effective 1 January 2026. Bringing over three decades of specialised industry experience, Ahn is recognised for his extensive leadership in the global tyre sector.

His professional background is deeply rooted in international commerce, with significant achievements in overseas sales, strategic marketing and high-level management across key markets in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Prior to this appointment, his career included senior roles such as Executive Vice President at Nexen Tire and Managing Director at Hankook Tire, based in Seoul. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in fostering international expansion and enhancing market positions while leading diverse, cross-regional teams, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry.

Zafar Hussain, Executive Director, ZAFCO Group, said, “We are pleased to welcome Hee Se Ahn to the Board of ZAFCO. His extensive international experience in sales, marketing and regional leadership will bring valuable perspectives to the company. His deep understanding of the global tyre industry will be a strong asset to both the Board and the management team.”

Amir Abbas, Executive Director, ZAFCO Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Hee Se Ahn to the ZAFCO Board. He brings with him a global business mindset and rich insights into leadership and international business transformation. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to strengthen our global presence.”

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Nokian Tyres has approved an updated strategy and financial targets through to the end of 2029, setting a net sales objective of €1.8 billion–€2 billion and outlining measures to strengthen profitability and reduce leverage.

The Finnish tyre maker said it would prioritise sustainable, value-driven growth following what it described as the most significant transformation in its history.

“Over the past years, Nokian Tyres has navigated the most significant transformations in its history. This period has been a complete strategic reset as we rebuilt the new Nokian Tyres platform. As we now enter the next phase of our development, we will refocus on sustainable, value-driven growth. This positions us to take better control of the unpredictable also in the future and will reduce our exposure to geopolitical risks,” said President And Chief Executive Paolo Pompei.

Under the revised targets, the company aims for segments EBITDA of more than 24 percent and segments operating profit above 15 percent. It also intends to keep net debt to segments EBITDA below 2.

Nokian Tyres will continue to use segments EBITDA as its primary profitability metric and has defined a range for net sales rather than a single figure.

The group reiterated its dividend policy, targeting distribution of at least 50 percent of net earnings.

Strategically, Nokian Tyres said it would focus on its core segments. In passenger car tyres, it aims to maintain a market-leading position in winter tyres and deliver above-market growth in the all-season and all-weather categories. In heavy tyres, it is targeting above-market growth in agricultural and forestry tyres.

Vianor will continue to serve as a European sales and service channel for both passenger car and heavy tyres.

The company said market trends including electrification, a growing car parc, increasing rim sizes and rising demand for winter tyres support development in its chosen segments.

“Our updated financial targets set a clear direction for the future and reflect our ambition to create sustainable value for our shareholders. Profitability improvement will be driven both by volume growth and by more than EUR 100 million coming from targeted performance initiatives. While maintaining strong performance in the Nordics, we aim to accelerate growth in North America and Central Europe. We will prioritize value creation through premium positioning, improved product mix and disciplined cost and operational efficiency,” Pompei said.

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Carter’s Tyre Service has announced that Rob Watson will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer, adding this responsibility to his existing position as CEO of NTAW NZ. His appointment marks a significant development for the company, drawing on deep experience gained across New Zealand and the Pacific region.

Known for driving performance improvement and strengthening customer relationships, Watson brings a proven ability to lead service-oriented organisations. His focus will be on enhancing operational performance, supporting customers and empowering teams to maintain consistent service standards nationwide.

This leadership transition coincides with the forthcoming retirement of Mike Hollier in April. Hollier will remain actively involved in the coming months to facilitate a seamless handover. The company has acknowledged his valuable leadership and lasting contribution throughout his time with Carter’s Tyre Service.

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Falken’s AZENIS FK520 has earned a ‘highly recommended’ rating in the 2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test, securing fourth place overall with 135 out of 170 points. Tested in the popular 225/40 R18 XL size, with an average price of EUR 87, the tyre stood out as the most affordable option among the top performers, underscoring its exceptional value for money. Customers seeking premium engineering without the premium price tag therefore find a compelling proposition in this model.

The ACE assessment placed particular emphasis on safety, where the AZENIS FK520 delivered standout results. It achieved the highest possible aquaplaning score, sharing top honours with two rival products and demonstrating assured stability on waterlogged roads. In dry handling exercises, the tyre impressed with precise steering response, robust lateral grip and high-speed stability. Its performance on wet surfaces was equally balanced and dependable, reinforcing its all‑round competence in challenging conditions.

Beyond its strong showing against established premium competitors, the Falken AZENIS FK520 also offers broad real‑world relevance. Available in widely used fitment sizes, it is especially well suited to compact cars - a segment that accounts for substantial sales volume across Europe. The ACE result confirms that this combination of safety, dynamic capability and accessible pricing makes the AZENIS FK520 a thoroughly convincing choice for drivers who refuse to compromise on either performance or affordability.

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