The rollout of GST 2.0 marks a defining moment in India’s economic journey – a reform that may well prove even more consequential than the original introduction of the Goods and Services Tax. Especially for a sector like tyres, the recent reduction in (GST) on tyres is far more than just a change in numbers. It is a transformative step that touches every wheel turning on India’s roads – from a farmer’s tractor to a trucker’s long-haul trailer and from a commuter’s scooter to a construction vehicle powering the nation’s infrastructure.
For years, tyres were taxed at 28 percent – the highest GST slab, clubbed with luxury and demerit goods. This categorisation never truly reflected the essential role tyres play in our everyday lives. Tyres are not a luxury. They are a fundamental enabler of mobility, supporting the movement of people and goods across cities, towns and villages. By bringing GST rates on tyres down to a more rational level, the government has addressed a long-standing anomaly and set the stage for widespread benefits across the economy.
The most visible impact of this move will be felt on the ground – literally. Lower GST means more affordable tyres for all users. Especially for transporters and fleet operators, tyres account for a significant chunk of vehicle running costs. A reduction in tax translates into lower replacement costs, freeing up working capital and improving operational margins. Farmers, small traders, delivery personnel, service providers, transporters – every segment that relies on mobility will feel this relief.
India has been working hard to bring down logistics costs, which are believed to be about 13–14 percent of GDP – much higher than global benchmarks. Tyres have a direct bearing on vehicle operating efficiency, fuel consumption and maintenance schedules. When tyres become more affordable, operators can replace tyres on time, and run vehicles more efficiently.
This naturally leads to lower logistics costs. Reduced logistics costs ripple across the value chain, helping industries move goods faster and at lower cost. This aligns perfectly with India’s ambition to become a more globally competitive manufacturing and trading hub.
Tyre industry’s story is not just urban – it’s deeply rural as well. Tractor tyres, power tiller tyres and tyres for animal-drawn vehicles are integral to the agricultural economy. A reduction in GST brings meaningful relief to farmers and small cultivators who rely on these tyres for their daily operations. By easing this cost, the government has extended direct support to rural mobility and agricultural productivity – an often underappreciated but critical outcome of this reform.
One of the most powerful yet often overlooked impacts of this decision lies in road safety. Worn-out tyres are a major cause of road accidents, particularly on highways. High replacement costs often lead to tyres being used well past their safe life.
With lower GST making new tyres more accessible, both individual motorists and commercial fleet owners are more likely to replace tyres on time, keeping vehicles safer and reducing accident risks. This complements the government’s broader road safety agenda, making highways not just faster but safer for everyone.
For the Indian tyre industry, which is one of the largest in the world, this reform is a game changer. It creates a more balanced tax structure, supports better cash flow, improves compliance and strengthens the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers. It will also encourage investment and capacity expansion, enabling the industry to serve growing domestic demand and tap export opportunities more effectively.
The GST reduction on tyres is a strategic, forward-looking policy decision that will benefit the entire mobility ecosystem. It acknowledges the essential role tyres play – not just as a product, but as a critical enabler of transportation, logistics, rural livelihoods and road safety.
As this reform takes root, its positive impact will be felt by consumers, businesses, farmers and industries alike. The tyre industry, represented by ATMA, welcomes this move wholeheartedly and remains committed to working alongside the government to strengthen India’s journey towards affordable, efficient and safe mobility for all.
The author is Director General of the New Delhi-based tyre industry association, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).The views expressed here are personal.
Epsilon Carbon Appoints Munish Kumar Rathi As President And Business Head For Carbon Black
- By TT News
- May 29, 2026
Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Munish Kumar Rathi as its new President and Business Head for Carbon Black.
With more than 25 years of extensive global leadership experience, Rathi brings a strong background in profit and loss management, multi-site manufacturing leadership, strategic planning and business transformation. His career is marked by a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and foster sustainable growth across various international markets.
The company is anticipating that his leadership will play a key role as Epsilon Carbon continues to expand its global footprint and accelerate innovation within the carbon black business segment. The organisation has formally welcomed Rathi to the team, expressing confidence in his capacity to guide future strategic initiatives. This move underscores Epsilon Carbon’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in pursuit of long-term global competitiveness.
TVS Srichakra Approves INR 2.2 billion Capacity Expansion For Madurai plants
- By Sharad Matade
- May 28, 2026
TVS Srichakra has approved capital investment of up to INR 2.2 billion to expand production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Vellaripatti, Madurai.
The expansion will cover the company’s two-wheeler tyre and off-highway tyre plants, with investment of up to INR 1.1 billion allocated to each facility.
TVS Srichakra said the two-wheeler tyre plant currently has capacity of about 21 million to 23.5 million tyres a year and operates at utilisation levels of around 80 to 85 percent. The company plans to add about 5 percent capacity, with completion targeted in the first half of FY2028-29.
The off-highway tyre plant has existing capacity of about 75 to 85 metric tonnes a year and operates at utilisation levels of 75 to 80 percent. TVS Srichakra plans to increase capacity at the plant by about 25 percent, with the addition scheduled for the first half of FY2027-28.
The company said the investment would be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt.
TVS Srichakra said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand for its two- and three-wheeler tyres and off-highway tyre products.
JK Tyre Reports Record FY26 Revenue of INR 163.84 Bln, Q4 PAT Jumps 94%
- By TT News
- May 27, 2026
JK Tyre & Industries reported record consolidated revenue of INR 163.84 billion for FY26, registering an 11 percent year-on-year increase, supported by strong domestic demand and volume growth across key tyre segments.
The company’s consolidated EBITDA rose 25 percent to INR 20.89 billion, with EBITDA margin improving to 12.8 percent.
Profit before tax increased 46 percent to INR 10.43 billion, while profit after tax climbed 52 percent to INR 8.60 billion during FY26.
For the fourth quarter, consolidated revenue rose 12 percent year-on-year to INR 42.33 billion.
Quarterly EBITDA surged 42 percent to INR 5.46 billion, with margin at 12.9 percent, while Q4 PAT nearly doubled, rising 94 percent to INR 1.99 billion.
Chairman and Managing Director Dr Raghupati Singhania described FY26 as a year of robust performance, highlighting record volumes in both truck and bus radial and passenger car radial categories.
Domestic sales volumes during Q4 grew 21 percent overall. Truck and bus radial replacement volumes increased 53 per cent, while OEM demand in the segment rose 23 percent. Passenger car radial replacement volumes were up 26 percent and OEM demand increased 10 percent.
The company said growth momentum was expected to continue into FY27, supported by new vehicle launches, infrastructure development and sustained replacement demand.
JK Tyre also highlighted strong traction in electric mobility. More than 70 per cent of electric buses operating in India currently run on its tyres, while the company supplies EV tyres to nearly eight two-wheeler OEMs and has secured orders for electric passenger vehicle models including Renault Duster EV, Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Motors’ Nexon and Punch EV variants.
Its Mexico business, operated through JK Tornel, contributed nearly 20 per cent of consolidated revenue and is expected to maintain growth across Mexican, Latin American and US markets.
- David Cichocki
- Anne Forristall Luke
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
Goodyear Executive David Cichocki Elected to USTMA Board
- By TT News
- May 21, 2026
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has elected David Cichocki, Managing Director, Americas, and chief sales officer, Americas Consumer, at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, to its board of directors.
“I’m pleased to welcome David to our Board. His extensive experience and expertise across the tire and consumer goods industries will be invaluable as we navigate today’s complex industry,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and chief executive. “His proven leadership will strengthen our ability to seize emerging opportunities.”
Cichocki joined Goodyear in early 2026 and is responsible for overseeing the Americas region and leading the company’s Americas Consumer sales business.
He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across industrial and consumer goods companies to the USTMA board.
Before joining Goodyear, Cichocki served as senior vice-president of US sales at Whirlpool, where he managed a portfolio valued at more than $10bn across retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
He also spent more than 20 years at Kraft Foods and Nabisco in a range of senior leadership roles.
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