Thai Tire Exports to the US 2025 H1

I. Passenger Car Tires: Steady Progress, Driven by Quality and Brand

In the first half of 2025, Thailand's passenger car tire exports to the US demonstrated steady growth, with exports increasing by 9% year-on-year to nearly 22.18 million units. This growth is no accident, but rather the result of the Thai tire industry's long-term commitment to product and brand strength.

At the product level, Thai tire companies continue to increase their investment in technological research and development, focusing on the core performance needs of American consumers and continuously optimizing their product mix. Whether improving tire grip, reducing rolling resistance for energy savings, or enhancing driving comfort, Thai-made passenger car tires have achieved significant breakthroughs, precisely matching the needs of different vehicle models and consumer scenarios in the US market.

At the brand level, Thai tire companies are no longer limited to "OEM" or "low-cost supply" positions, but are actively enhancing their brand influence through diversified channels. They frequently appear at major tire shows in the United States and around the world, leveraging professional platforms to showcase their latest technologies and products. Furthermore, through sponsorships of automotive events and partnerships with automakers for original equipment manufacturing, they have gradually established a brand reputation among American consumers for high quality and value, laying a solid market foundation for export growth.

II. Light Truck Tires: A 21.9% Surging, Precisely Meet US Market Demand

In contrast to the steady growth of passenger car tires, Thailand's light truck tire exports to the US have seen explosive growth, with a year-on-year increase of 21.9%, reaching 5.01 million units. This impressive performance is due to Thai tire companies' keen understanding and rapid response to shifts in US market demand.

In recent years, the continued booming e-commerce industry in the United States has driven the logistics and transportation industry into a period of rapid growth. As a core mode of transportation for short-distance logistics and urban delivery, light trucks have seen a significant increase in market demand, directly fueling robust demand for light truck tires. Furthermore, American consumers' preference for pickup trucks and other light truck models continues to grow, and the private consumer market has also strongly fueled demand for light truck tires.

Thai tire companies have precisely grasped this market trend and developed and produced tires specifically tailored for light truck use. These tires not only boast exceptional wear resistance, capable of withstanding the wear and tear associated with frequent transportation, but also boast excellent load-carrying capacity, meeting the cargo load requirements of logistics and transportation. Furthermore, they have been optimized for complex road conditions, making them suitable for diverse road conditions in the United States. This close alignment between products and market demand has been a key driver of the surge in light truck tire exports.

III. Truck and Bus Tires: Exports Decline 21%, Short-Term Challenges Emerge

In contrast to the strong performance of passenger car and light truck tires, Thai truck and bus tire exports to the United States experienced a setback in the first half of 2025, with exports declining 21% year-on-year to approximately 3.3 million units. This decline is not due to a decline in Thailand's industrial strength, but rather the combined effects of multiple external factors and market competitive pressures.

From a market perspective, the US truck and bus tire market is mature and extremely competitive. On the one hand, American tire brands, leveraging years of accumulated channel advantages, brand loyalty, and a deep understanding of local market demand, have firmly established a core market share.

On the other hand, tire companies from other countries, such as China and South Korea, are also continuously striving to capture market share through technological innovation and cost control, further squeezing the niche of Thai truck and bus tire manufacturers.

In terms of policies and standards, the United States has continuously upgraded safety and environmental requirements for truck and bus tires in recent years. These standards not only raise safety standards for tire load-bearing strength and braking performance, but also introduce new regulations in areas such as noise control and hazardous emissions.

Some Thai truck and bus tire manufacturers, lagging behind in technological upgrades and incomplete production line upgrades, are struggling to fully meet the new standards in the short term. This has led to a loss of orders and a direct impact on export volumes.