As the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) prepares for 2025 under a new administration and Congress, President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke shares insights into the industry’s priorities and recent achievements. From advancing sustainability through innovative research to advocating for updated regulations and expanding domestic retreading, USTMA is focused on driving economic growth, safety and environmental progress.

In this interview, Luke highlights the importance of collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders, detailing how the tyre industry is addressing key challenges while positioning itself as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

With a new president and Congress in place, the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is preparing for a potential shift in regulatory priorities and legislative focus. The incoming administration may initiate a regulatory pause to assess existing policies, a move USTMA sees as an opportunity for constructive engagement.

 “This offers the tyre industry an avenue to engage with fresh faces and perspectives within the administration and Congress, fostering a dialogue about the tyre industry’s key issues,” thinks Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “USTMA looks forward to collaborating with the new administration and Congress and the opportunity to highlight how smart, balanced policies can drive innovation, sustainability and growth within the US tyre manufacturing sector.”

USTMA anticipates collaborating with the new administration and Congress to advance initiatives that align with the industry’s priorities. “As the association looks to 2025, its efforts will continue to centre on three key themes: innovation, sustainability and safety,” adds Luke.

USTMA aims to build relationships and advance its advocacy objectives during the 119th Congress as the Trump administration takes office. However, Luke adds that the association cannot predict the new administration’s specific policies; it remains committed to advancing its legislative priorities. These include advocating for updated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules on consumer tyre information and performance standards, modernising tyre testing regulations, addressing potential trade and tariff issues, expanding sustainability efforts and supporting domestic manufacturing job creation.

USTMA also intends to working directly with state governments to address policy and regulatory issues where state action may arise in response to perceived gaps in federal policies.

Looking back

The year 2024 was an active period for the US tyre industry, marked by significant progress advocating for several priorities focused on enhanced road safety, tyre innovation, environmental stewardship and domestic jobs in the manufacturing sector, as per Luke.

The US tyre manufacturing industry generates an annual economic impact of USD 170.6 billion and directly provides more than 291,000 jobs across manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors. Additionally, the sector supports over 510,000 jobs through supplier and induced activities, contributing to a total of more than 801,000 jobs nationwide.

“In 2024, despite challenges such as the ongoing impact of interest rate fluctuation and inflation, post-election and geopolitical uncertainty, the tyre industry remains resilient, continually adapting to market dynamics and technological advancements to sustain its vital role in the US economy,” said Luke.

Leadership and collaboration

Luke empathises on the importance of partnerships and leadership to drive progress. Luke adds, “Achieving meaningful progress on a complex and ambitious series of goals requires strong leadership and deep collaboration to succeed. We view 2025 as a year full of opportunities to build on a rich ecosystem of partnerships with stakeholders.”

USTMA has outlined several key areas of focus for the upcoming year. Chief among them are sustainability leadership, advancing innovation through research, collaborative policy and regulatory engagement, creating economic impact and working with a new administration and a new Congress in 2025.

Collaborative efforts

Luke stresses the organisation’s commitment to working with state and federal policymakers and stakeholders across the tyre recycling value chain.

Another major initiative is advancing innovation through research, particularly in the development of sustainable alternatives to 6PPD, a chemical widely used to preserve tyre performance. The 6PPD Alternatives Analysis Consortium, spearheaded by USTMA, will move into its second stage in 2025, evaluating potential effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives.

USTMA members use a chemical additive called 6PPD to help tyres resist degradation and cracking, which is crucial for driver and passenger safety. In December 2020, researchers from the University of Washington and the Washington Stormwater Center published a report identifying a transformation product of 6PPD, called 6PPD-quinone, which they concluded is toxic to coho salmon and may be contributing to urban runoff mortality syndrome in the species. Earlier studies had not identified this substance.

In response, USTMA led the formation of a more than 30-member consortium to work transparently and collaboratively with California regulators and stakeholders to find a potential alternative to 6PPD that would protect both motorists and the environment.

“That work, and our collaboration with federal and state regulators, legislators, researchers and other interested stakeholders, will continue in 2025,” adds Luke.

Retreading

Commercial tyre retreading offers significant opportunities to expand domestic manufacturing, create American jobs, and promote sustainability. Retreading benefits not only large manufacturers but also small, independent businesses. In the US, most retread facilities are small operations, employing between 10 and 60 workers, and are often located in smaller towns and rural communities.

“By promoting investments in tyre retreading, the tyre industry aims to strengthen these small businesses, enabling them to grow, hire more workers and play a vital role in their communities. Increased demand will help these shops thrive, ensuring their longevity and supporting local economies across the country,” says Luke.

USTMA has prioritised domestic manufacturing of retreaded tyre for commercial vehicles to boost sustainability and create American jobs. The retread sector, employing over 51,000 Americans, is the largest remanufacturing sector in the US; commercial tyre retreading offers an effective way to recycle tyres, providing numerous economic and environmental benefits. Beyond job creation, retreading reduces energy consumption, CO2 emissions, raw material usage and tyre disposal challenges.

“The US Congress has an opportunity to increase domestic retreaded tyre demand by requiring the use of these tyres in the federal fleet. USTMA will continue to advocate for expanding this crucial industry to create more well-paying jobs, allowing domestic workers to contribute to the local economy,” says Luke.

Recycling

USTMA is prioritising sustainable solutions for end-of-life tyres. For nearly three decades, the association has worked with stakeholders to promote tyre recycling and advocate for supportive regulations. “Our goal is that 100 percent of end-of-life tyres will enter sustainable, circular end-use markets. This remains a top focus area for us heading into 2025,” tells Luke.

Use of recycled tyres in road construction is increasing, according to USTMA’s 2023 End-of-Life Tire Management Report. The use of rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) has grown 17 percent since 2021. USTMA sees potential for further growth in this area, thanks to recent federal infrastructure legislation. “We continue to advocate for increased investment and expansion in these areas while also pushing for greater focus on domestic retreading of commercial tyres. Particularly, USTMA has called on Congress to fund research and demonstration projects using Tire Derived Aggregates (TDA) in federal state and local construction projects,” says Luke.

As per Luke, shredded tyres can be used in various construction projects, including road embankments and stormwater systems. The association advocates for the use of RMA in federal road projects, citing its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative of the United States Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has been launched to expand markets for end-of-life tyre (ELT) and promote tyre recycling research.

The foundation aims to secure funding and allocate grants for research, education, intervention and demonstration projects addressing critical gaps in the US tyre recycling supply chain. A key focus is accelerating the adoption of RMA. Luke explains,” USTMA will continue to emphasise that collaborative efforts across the tyre recycling value chain must continue to fully eliminate illegal and abandoned tyre stockpiles and create sustainable, circular markets for ELTs, and this effort will be a focus of USTMA going forward.”

Smooth supply of NR

Natural rubber remains a key component in tyre production, but the industry is making strides in integrating modern, sustainable materials. USTMA continues to advocate for developing a domestic natural rubber supply, including alternatives like guayule, taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) or dandelion rubber. These efforts have already resulted in successful experimental tyres, highlighting the potential of these sustainable sources.

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of two seasoned tyre industry professionals.

As per the new development, Billy Dorsey Jr has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – South and Jamie McSwaney has been appointed as Vice President of Sales – North. Both the new appointments bring a combined 45 years of tyre industry experience to the company.

Brian Sheehey, President, RTNA, said, “These additions signal our unwavering commitment to accelerating Ralson’s growth in the US and Canada. We’re building a leadership team that knows how to compete, win and deliver results. Their deep industry relationships and ability to execute will be instrumental as we continue to grow our footprint in the North American trucking industry.”

Scandinavian tyre service provider Citira sees robust potential for premium tyres in the Nordic region, driven by seasonal demands and safety priorities. CEO David Boman highlights that premium tyres including Pirelli’s offerings hold a significant share in passenger car, light truck and truck tyre segments supported by harsh winter conditions that emphasise performance and reliability. Despite a slight recent decline amid broader economic pressures and rising price sensitivity, premium brands remain relevant. Citira’s new long-term partnership with Pirelli and acquisition of Dackia AB aims to consolidate and optimise premium tyre distribution across Sweden.

Scandinavian tyre service company Citira recently told Tyre Trends that Nordic countries have excellent potential for premium tyres during a discussion over its partnership with Italian tyre major Pirelli.

Speaking on the market potential, Chief Executive Officer David Boman said, “When it comes to the Nordic markets, Scandinavia in particular has a relatively high share of premium tyres across categories including passenger car, light truck and TBR segments. Compared to other global regions, the demand for premium tyres here is notably strong.

“One of the main reasons for this is the seasonal nature of our market. Winter tyres, in particular, drive a more premium-oriented approach because of the need for high performance and safety under harsh conditions. While we’ve observed a slight decline in the premium tyre share over the past few years, it still holds a significant portion of the market. This demand is closely tied to seasonal safety concerns, especially in winter, autumn and early spring. Drivers here prioritise safety and reliability, which naturally supports the continued relevance of premium brands like Pirelli.”

He noted that the decline is likely tied to broader financial challenges in the market, especially following the Covid period. Both consumers and companies have become more price-sensitive, making cost a bigger factor in purchase decisions.

As a result, there’s been a gradual increase in demand for lower-cost, imported non-European tyre brands, while the market share of European premium tyre brands has slightly decreased.

Pirelli and Citira have entered a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their market presence in Sweden. As part of the deal, Citira will acquire Dackia AB that has a network of 102 retail outlets from Pirelli.

In return, Pirelli and Dackia have signed a supply agreement extending to 2030, ensuring Pirelli remains the main tyre supplier. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by 2025. The partnership will boost Pirelli’s distribution and market coverage while supporting Citira’s goal of expanding a sustainable, flexible and high-quality customer service network.

THE PACT

Citira currently runs over 50 tyre shops and over five retreading units across Scandinavia and Poland. “Citira is actively working towards creating a more efficient and consolidated tyre market. While our current focus is primarily on the Scandinavian region, it’s not out of the question that we may consider expanding beyond this geographic perimeter in the future. This agreement is part of a broader industry trend where partnerships and acquisitions are used to enhance efficiency, strengthen distribution networks and provide end customers with better service coverage,” revealed Boman.

Nonetheless, the deal specifically pertains to the Swedish market, and as part of the regulatory process, Citira has conducted a market analysis to understand the potential implications on market share. However, the specifics of that study were said to be confidential and could not be disclosed prior to the official closing of the deal.

Explaining how this partnership will influence the supply chain of premium tyre in the Nordics, Boman said, “We do anticipate some changes, particularly within Citira. We operate a number of logistics centres, and this partnership presents an opportunity to optimise our overall supply chain setup. Enhancing logistics will be a key enabler of better service and responsiveness in premium tyre distribution.”

He added, “This particular deal is unlikely to have a direct or immediate impact on independent retailers or smaller distributors. More broadly, the Scandinavian tyre retail sector is undergoing consolidation. Several players are actively reshaping the competitive landscape and that trend could gradually influence the positioning of independents. But again, this specific acquisition is not a disruptive event in that context.”

Alluding to the current demand for replacement tyres, he said, “In general, the tyre market has proven to be quite non-cyclical. Even in challenging economic conditions, it tends to remain stable. That said, I believe we’re entering a phase where circularity and life-extension solutions will gain more momentum. We’re likely to see increased focus on services that extend tyre life, especially for larger fleets. This shift won’t just be driven by cost or fleet uptime concerns but increasingly by environmental responsibilities.”

THE BUSINESS

According to Boman, Pirelli represents a very minimal share of Citira’s overall sales, currently. However, the strategic partnership mainly revolves around Dackia and Pirelli, and the former is intended to become part of the Citira Group. “Moving forward, there is definitely an opportunity to deepen the collaboration with Pirelli and potentially grow their share within our overall brand mix,” added Boman.

Citira currently follows a multi-brand strategy and will continue with it even after closing of the deal. Besides, it is also involved in process and sales of retreaded TBR tyres and wheel rims.

“We operate a facility in Poland where we refurbish truck and bus rims. The process involves media blasting and repainting the rims to restore its appearance and functionality. The logic behind it is quite similar to retreading. In most cases, the structural integrity of the rim is still intact; it’s just the surface or aesthetics that degrade over time. By restoring these rims, we’re able to extend the life and reduce waste,” said Boman.

The company operates five retreading facilities collectively, located in Finland, Sweden and Poland. It uses both hot-cure and cold-cure retreading methods. Hot-cure is used in Poland and cold retreading in Finland and Sweden. Annually, it retreads around 160,000 tyres, averaging about 13,000 per month. While its current focus is on retreading, Citira is actively exploring expansion into tyre recycling as part of a broader push towards sustainability and circularity.

The company also manages tyre distribution for fleets across countries. Its circular tyre distribution approach involves not only delivering new tyres to customers but also collecting used tyre casings from them. These casings are then sent back to its retreading facilities, creating a closed-loop system. Besides, Citira has different suppliers across Europe for sourcing tyres for retreading.

MARKET WATCH

Citira sees a strong willingness in the market for consolidation and it has already engaged in several partnerships. Commenting on market challenges, Boman said, “One key challenge is the need for a player capable of driving consolidation at a larger scale. In the Scandinavian markets, this kind of brand-independent consolidation hasn’t really taken place over the last 10 to 15 years. Previously, consolidation efforts were primarily led by tyre manufacturers or affiliate networks players. However, consolidation has largely been on hold recently, leaving space for an independent actor to step in. We see that opportunity clearly and believe it is well received both by other market participants and customers. The challenge lies in successfully executing this consolidation while maintaining trust and delivering value across a diverse market.”

Commenting on the demand for retreading, he said, “The Scandinavian market has a long tradition of retreading heavy vehicle tyres. Currently, there is a growing shift towards pay-per-kilometre or tyre-as-a-service models, especially among large fleets like bus companies and hauliers. Notably, public tenders increasingly require a certain share of retreaded tyres, reflecting a strong environmental focus. Retreading extends the life of a tyre by reusing about 70 percent of its original material, making it a significant sustainability tool. The market share of retreaded tyres is gradually increasing with expectations that the retread market will grow faster than the new tyre market in the coming years.”

“The main challenges for the retreading industry lie in overcoming the longstanding perception that retreaded tyres are merely a low-cost option rather than an environmentally friendly and sustainable product. This is mostly prevalent is Scandinavia and it is crucial to shift this mindset by educating customers and the broader market about the true benefits of retreading. Moving away from a purely price-driven sales approach to one that highlights quality, durability and positive environmental impact remains a significant hurdle for the industry,” he added.