New pneumatic tyres market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for new pneumatic tyres in Slovakia showed notable fluctuations between 2020 and 2024. After starting at 8.5 million units in 2020, consumption rose to 10.2 million units in 2021, then fell to 8.7 million in 2022 before recovering to 10.0 million in 2023. In 2024, however, the market volume dropped sharply to 3.5 million units.

These movements were closely tied to evolving regulations on winter tyres. The introduction of the new 3PMSF snowflake symbol as a mandatory standard for winter tyres, along with discussions about penalty points for non-compliance, raised consumer awareness and spurred replacement demand in 2021 and 2023. In particular, anticipation of stricter labelling rules and higher fines effective from October 2024 led to advanced purchases in 2023, followed by a market contraction in 2024 as many consumers had already renewed their tyres.

Additionally, growing consumer preference for all-season tyres certified with 3PMSF, which are legally permitted during winter months, supported market activity. Warnings about tyre ageing—recommending replacement after 4–5 years—also contributed to sustained replacement cycles, even in years without major regulatory changes.

Production new pneumatic tyres in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports new pneumatic tyres from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K unit

Slovakia's exports of new pneumatic tyres declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, exports reached their peak at 23 653 thousand units, but by 2020, they had fallen to 18 569 thousand units, marking an 18.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 19.6%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when exports rose by 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Poland were the top buyers of new pneumatic tyres from Slovakia, accounting for 26.2%, 11.6%, and 7.1% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 44.9% of total exports, indicating a diversified market structure with many other countries involved.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's exports of new pneumatic tyres in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports peaked at 1 895 million US dollars, but in 2020, they dropped to 1 558 million US dollars, a significant 11.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 14.5%, with an average annual reduction of 5.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 3.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Slovakia's export market for new pneumatic tyres in value terms was quite broad. Germany, Czechia, and Poland accounted for 27.6%, 9.0%, and 7.1% of exports, respectively, but together they represented only 43.7% of total flows, highlighting a wide distribution among other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Slovakia in value, 2017-2020

Imports new pneumatic tyres to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K unit

Slovakia's imports of new pneumatic tyres in kind decreased for the second year in a row. In 2019, imports were at their highest at 15 279 thousand units, but by 2020, they had fallen to 11 464 thousand units, a 17.4% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 17.5%, with an average annual decrease of 6.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 9.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovakia's import sources for new pneumatic tyres in kind were diverse. Germany and Czechia each accounted for 15.7% of imports, while Spain made up 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 41.6% of total imports, with the remaining 58.4% coming from a wide range of other nations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's imports of new pneumatic tyres in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports reached their maximum at 777 million US dollars, but in 2020, they decreased to 636 million US dollars, a 13.9% year-over-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.2%. The largest increase was in 2018, with a 14.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The country composition of Slovakia's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Germany accounted for 20.3% of imports, Czechia for 16.3%, and Spain for 8.5%. Combined, these three countries formed just 45.1% of total flows, while the remaining 54.9% was distributed among a broad array of other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Slovakia in value, 2017-2020