Waste Tire Price Rise, October 23
On October 23, 2025, scrap tire prices showed a moderate upward trend, with price fluctuations varying by region and tire type.
In Nanjing, Jiangsu, the scrap tire market was relatively active, with supply slightly insufficient, leading to a slight increase in market prices.
The reference price for scrap bias tires weighing 900 lbs and above was approximately 1,500 yuan/ton; the reference price for scrap large steel tires rose by 50 yuan/ton to approximately 1,300 yuan/ton; the price of large steel tire rubber blocks was approximately 1,370 yuan/ton; the reference price for rims was approximately 1,580 yuan/ton; and the price of tire oil was approximately 3,300 yuan/ton.
At 10:10 AM on October 23rd, the reference market price for large steel tires in the region was around 1,300 yuan/ton, and for small steel tires around 1,100 yuan/ton, further demonstrating the upward trend in prices that day.
Scrap tire prices in Shandong also showed some movement. According to information from October 15th, the delivery price for large steel tires weighing over 900 tons in Zouping, Shandong, was between 1,650 and 1,680 yuan, while the delivery price for small steel tires was between 1,450 and 1,480 yuan, representing a relatively stable price range.
While there is no direct indication of specific changes in scrap tire prices in Shandong on October 23rd, recent trends indicate that the supply of scrap steel tires remains tight. The decline in tire replacement volume during the autumn and winter seasons has reduced the amount of scrap tires produced, making it difficult for recyclers to recycle and resulting in an overall supply shortage. This has also provided some support for prices.
Nationwide, the scrap steel tire market is expected to decline before rising in the third quarter of 2025. July and August were the industry's off-season, with orders for rubber powder and recycled rubber declining and production capacity dropping to a low point, resulting in weak demand for scrap steel tires.
Cooler weather in September saw a slight pickup in production capacity, but orders for rubber powder and recycled rubber have not seen improvement, leading to cautious raw material procurement. Tight supply on the supply side will limit price fluctuations. Zhuochuang Information predicts that the scrap steel tire market may initially rise before declining in the fourth quarter, with limited fluctuations.
The main reasons for the rise in scrap tire prices are as follows:
First, on the supply side, a decline in tire replacements during the autumn and winter months has reduced scrap tire production, making it difficult for recyclers to purchase scrap tires. This has led to a shortage of scrap tires in the market, driving up prices.
Second, on the demand side, although overall demand for rubber powder and recycled rubber is not particularly strong, some companies will replenish their raw material inventories in October to prepare for winter supply shortages. This has also increased demand for scrap tires, contributing to price increases.
Third, the impact of related product prices. For example, the continued rise in carbon black prices and rising oil prices have led to an increase in the price of tire oil produced from tire cracking, thereby increasing the value of scrap tires and driving up their prices.
Overall, scrap tire prices showed an upward trend as of October 23, 2025. For some time to come, scrap tire prices may continue to fluctuate due to factors such as supply and demand, seasonal factors, and the prices of related products.
